Health Minister Veena George | Photo: Facebook
Thiruvananthapuram: In the wake of the recent food poisoning incidents, Kerala government has made health cards mandatory for all employees of food units in the state.
Although employees are supposed to have health cards as per the food safety guidelines, it had not been compulsory till now. However, with the current rule, hotel employees should possess health cards issued by medical officers.
“Food establishments with employees, who do not have health cards, will be forced to shut down,” said Health Minister Veena George.
She added that the medical council registration of those officials, who issue fake health cards, will also be cancelled.
Meanwhile, food safety commissioner RV Vinod said that state level inspections will be held to ensure the use of health cards.
“Inspections will also be held at the dwellings of migrant labourers and cleanliness shall be ensured,” he added.