Thiruvananthapuram: Health Minister Veena George has said that strict action will be taken against those who fail in food safety. It is important not only to treat the disease but also to prevent it from occurring. Food plays an important role in ensuring health. The Food Safety Department was empowered as part of this. Adulteration of food is a serious crime. It is a crime against society. The Minister said that the Food Safety Department has been provided with the opportunity to work independently.
The minister was speaking after inaugurating the Microbiology Laboratory set up at the Thiruvananthapuram Govt. Analysts Laboratory of the State Food Safety Department. The Food Safety Department is at an important stage of growth. Such tests were being conducted through the existing lab system. It was in this context that it was decided to set up extensive Microbiology Labs in the state. Thus, Microbiology Labs were set up in Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam and Kozhikode. The labs were set up using the state’s share in addition to the Rs. 4.5 crore of FSSAI.
Kerala has managed to retain the top spot in the National Food Safety Index for two consecutive years. This was possible through the collective efforts of the Food Safety Department. Kerala achieved this feat by maintaining the top spot on many criteria. Food safety inspections have been increased three to four times. Record revenue was generated in the last financial year. Rs 4.5 crore was collected as fines. There has been a six-fold increase in the amount of fines. Enforcement activities have been intensified.
Strict instructions have been given to take action without looking at faces. Mobile testing labs have been set up in all 14 districts during this period. Kerala is the first state in the country to complete the FSSAI NABL Integrated Assessment. While 75 parameters were approved in 2021, it was increased in phases and now 1468 parameters have achieved NABL accreditation.
