Exhibition and sale of food through food festivals and distribution of drinking water by tankers have come under the lens of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) with depleting water resources raising doubts about water hygiene across the district.
Health Department sources pointed out that there could be waterborne disease outbreaks if the quality of water was not checked properly. Many areas in the district are already in the grip of water scarcity, where the situation could be alarming. FSSAI licence is a must to distribute drinking water. The sources of collecting the water should be examined to ensure hygiene. The tankers, coated with bitumen or other prescribed material, should be cleaned properly and those who handle the water should be medically fit for the job. Those vehicles should not be used for other purposes too.
Criminal offence
Those who depend on tanker lorries for drinking water should ensure that the distributor has the licence to do so.
To sell food stuff without FSSAI licence is a criminal offence with a fine up to₹5 lakh and a six-month jail term. People can call 8943346191, 8943346611 or the toll-free number 1800 425 11 25 to register complaints over the issue.
Bacterial contamination
There is also the possibility of bacterial contamination of food in hotels and restaurants and hostels. The food prepared in the morning becomes stale within five to six hours in summer. It has been found to be preserved till the night or heated up and served to the customers. In the Malabar region, the Health Department can take action against those selling such food under the Madras Public Health Act, 1939.
The FSSAI instructions are also applicable to food exhibitions and food festivals that have opened in different parts of the district. The sellers should have FSSAI licence and the food should be kept clean, say the guidelines.
The FSSAI guidelines also make it clear that vendors of packaged drinking water and soft drinks should not expose them to direct sunlight or exhibit them. Those who distribute drinking water by 20-litre cans should ensure that they are cleaned regularly and avoid using old or damaged cans.
