A special squad of the district administration has begun inspection of eateries at Kalamassery where nearly 40 cases of Hepatitis A were reported in a month.
District Collector K. Mohammed Y. Safirullah has issued orders to close down all unlicensed and unhygienic eating joints in the town.
An emergency meeting of the district administration was held on Wednesday again in this regard.
The squad comprises officials of the municipality, and Food Safety, Health, and Revenue departments. It is being provided adequate police protection.
The district administration has asked owners of food joints to ensure that their employees have health cards. Inspections will also be conducted at ice manufacturing units as ice is the prime suspect for contamination of food. Meat vending units too will be inspected.
It has been found that contaminated water has been flowing into wells. The squad will check the upkeep of toilets. It has inspected 43 eateries so far.
Meanwhile, municipal chairperson Jessy Peter, who attended the meeting, said all councillors would visit houses to create awareness. “Jagrutha Samitis in all wards will also be put into action,” she added. All educational institutions have been asked to ensure that water tanks are kept clean, she said.
