Onam Alert: Special Squads Tackle Substandard Food Sales

Quick Summary

• Food Safety department deployed five special squads with mobile lab testing facilities in Kozhikode during Onam season to combat food adulteration and unhygienic practices.
• 385 shops, including eateries, hotels, bakeries, and restaurants were inspected within a week.
• 180 samples sent for detailed lab testing; 48 individuals served notices; nine shops issued closure notices for non-compliance with food safety norms.
• Special attention to coconut oil due to its high demand during Onam and rising prices; over 170 samples collected during three months of market vigil.
• Three coconut oil brands found substandard: Tripthi coconut oil (Renuka Oil Mills) and two Bhadras Kerapriyam types under further inspection at Central Food Lab.
• Marketing of testa oil under the guise of pure coconut oil flagged as concerning; customers advised to check labels carefully.
• Sale of unpacked coconut oil by unregistered entrepreneurs labeled an offense unless proper permissions are obtained.

Indian Opinion Analysis
The proactive measures taken by Kerala’s Food Safety department highlight growing concerns over food adulteration during peak festival seasons like Onam when consumer demand surges significantly. Deploying mobile labs improves transparency in enforcement efforts while addressing public health risks tied directly to food safety violations observed among businesses and manufacturers alike. The stringent checks on packaged products such as coconut oil signify an attempt to preserve trust in staple commodities essential for traditional celebrations.

However, consistent inspection cycles beyond festive periods could foster long-term improvements across the local food industry landscape without singling out seasonal issues alone – ensuring better regulatory compliance year-round. Additionally, educating consumers on label-reading practices can simultaneously empower them against unwitting purchases but also escalate market accountability overall requiring extended community-focused engagements moving forward.

Read more: published – september 03, 2025 – IST