Palakkad: The Human Rights Commission has taken cognisance of the fact that vegetables used to prepare banquets (sadya) in weddings and other functions are often not washed. Acting chairperson and Judicial member K Baijunath has instructed the commissioner of food safety department to take action against this practice.

The order was based on a complaint filed by Dr Suresh K Gupta against the adulteration of food items including milk, fruits and vegetables. The commission received a report from the Food Safety Commissioner.

Special inspection to be conducted

The Food Safety department has stated in the report that the department is paying special attention to ensure the quality of daily products like milk, fruits and vegetables.

Action will be taken if unhygienic food preparation methods are noticed. Initial warnings and fines will be issued. Fines can be fixed by the district food safety offices.

If such actions are found to have been repeated, legal action will be taken based on the samples collected and lab report.

Legal action like suspension or cancellation of licence via the RDO court will also take place. 

Special training and safety instructions are being given to the employees and owners of all catering establishments through the district food safety offices, DG Raghunath Kurup, deputy commissioner of food safety department said. If lapses are found, the general public or the event organisers can contact the food safety officials anytime.