Toddy shops attract many for traditional cuisine: Key health and safety points to note

Kottayam: Many families visit toddy shops to enjoy traditional local cuisine in a rustic setting. Most toddy shops also provide dedicated family sections. However, they are required to strictly comply with food safety regulations.

Even during the trawling ban, varieties of marine fish such as vatta, motha and olakkodyan, along with local fish such as kari, koori and varal, are readily available in toddy shops. A range of meat dishes is also served. Those associated with toddy shops say that fish curry and head curry are often prepared a day in advance to enhance their flavour.

Key points to note:

* Ensure that the food safety licence is clearly displayed.

* The toddy shop licence must also be prominently displayed.

* Where necessary, verify the certificate confirming that the water used in the toddy shop has been tested at a Water Authority laboratory by inspecting it in person.

* Only boiled and cooled drinking water, or packaged drinking water, should be used.

Guidelines for staff:

* Maintain the correct temperature in freezers and refrigerators.

* Affix notices on parcel food packets indicating the date and time of packing, along with a note advising consumption within two hours.

* Do not reuse oil that has already been used once.

* Keep the kitchen and surrounding areas clean at all times.

* Use sterilised utensils.

* Medical fitness certificates are mandatory for cooks and service staff.

* Cook fish and meat only after ensuring they are safe for consumption.