1557 shawarma outlets inspected across Kerala; 45 shut down

Thiruvananthapuram: Health Minister Veena George has announced that the Food Safety Department carried out 1,557 special inspections across Kerala to ensure compliance with regulations by establishments selling shawarma. The inspections took place during the night of the 5th and 6th of this month (August), with 59 squads deployed statewide.

Following the inspections, rectification notices were issued to 256 establishments, while 263 received compounding notices. The operations of 45 establishments were suspended due to serious violations.

The minister reiterated that all outlets selling shawarma must strictly adhere to the government’s guidelines, warning that stringent action will be taken against those who fail to comply.

The Food Safety Department has previously issued detailed guidelines for the preparation and sale of shawarma. These include a ban on mayonnaise made with raw eggs and a strict prohibition on preparation or sale under unhygienic conditions.

The guidelines cover various aspects such as the location and cleanliness of the preparation area, the equipment used, personal hygiene of food handlers, and the correct labelling of takeaway parcels--including the mandatory mention of date and time.

Guidelines

Under the Food Safety and Standards Act (FSS Act), no individual is permitted to operate a food business without a valid licence or registration. Health cards are also mandatory for anyone handling food. The public has been encouraged to report any complaints directly to the Food Safety Department.

In a related operation, officials seized 60 kilograms of stale meat from an establishment in Polayathode, Kollam. This inspection was carried out based on information obtained during the shawarma compliance drive.