Thiruvananthapuram: Health Minister Veena George informed that food safety inspections at educational institutions resulted in the closure of nine establishments in the state. 

The Food Safety Department conducted raids at hostels, canteens and messes working in connection with educational institutions in the state. 

"On December 12 and 13, 995 hostels, canteens, and messes underwent inspection. Nine establishments were shut down for operating in unsanitary conditions. Under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 127 establishments were served compounding notices, while 267 establishments were handed rectification notices for failing to comply with food safety requirements. Improvement notices have also been issued to 10 institutions," the minister said. 

The department conducted the inspections in response to complaints from students and parents regarding the quality of food provided at hostels, canteens and others. A total of 96 squads of the department took part in the inspection.

Furthermore, the inspections also revealed that 179 establishments were operating without a valid license. Hostels, canteens and messes must strictly follow all the norms laid down by the Food Safety and Standards Act.