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Health minister Veena George | Photo: Mathrubhumi
Thiruvananthapuram: Health minister Veena George has said that from February 16, action will be taken against the employees at restaurants, who do not possess a health card, as per the food safety standards. The government has decided to grant an extension of two weeks for employees to take the health card, considering the rush of people and the demand from restaurant owners to allow more time.
Employees and all establishments involved in making and serving food should be certified by a doctor that they do not suffer from any contagious diseases and do not have open wounds. The minister has directed that all registered medical practitioners should conduct necessary tests and issue health cards immediately.
The food safety department will begin strict inspections at food outlets from February 1. Those without a health card will be instructed to produce the card by February 15. The health card is compulsory for restaurants, hotels, catering firms and other establishments involved in cooking, serving, distributing and selling food items.
The minister's office said in a statement that the health certificate of employees obtained from a doctor should be kept in the establishment itself.
(With inputs from PTI)
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