The Food Safety department has suspended the licences of four food establishments in Kalpetta municipality after a surprise inspection found serious violations of food safety norms.
The inspection was conducted in Wayanad district as part of Operation Thelima, and 13 establishments were checked by a squad led by the Assistant Commissioner of Food Safety, Wayanad. Five establishments were recommended for compounding proceedings.
During the inspection, the squad seized and destroyed 20 kg of worm-infested olives at a restaurant attached to a hypermarket. It also destroyed 57 kg of salad that had been kept in unhygienic conditions and displayed for sale, and 66 kg of meat stored in a freezer in violation of food safety norms.
At another establishment, the freezers used to store high-risk food items, including burger patties, were found to be non-functional. In view of the serious violations and the potential threat to public health, its licence was suspended with immediate effect.
The licences of four establishments were suspended for various violations, including unhygienic operating conditions and non-compliance with Schedule 4 requirements under food safety regulations. The action was taken by the Wayanad Assistant Commissioner under Section 32(3) of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. The squad also destroyed 19.1 litres of used cooking oil. In all, 120 kg of food items handled in violation of food safety norms and deemed capable of reaching consumers were seized and destroyed.
The inspection team comprised eight members, including Assistant Commissioner Joseph Kuriakose and Food Safety officers Dr. Anju George and Nish P. Mathew.
Published – September 30, 2026 07:30 pm IST
