Needed: A system to ensure good food

The closure of KFC outlet in Thiruvananthapuram after worms were found in the fried chicken served at the outlet shows the  lack of a permanent system in the state to ensure the quality of food being served to the public.

Experts are of the opinion that such a quality check mechanism can solve the issues to a certain extent.

 “At present, when issues related to unhygienic food occur, the officials will launch inspections and raids for the next two or three days. Things will be back to what it was after that. Instead of this, a permanent monitoring  system should be introduced,” experts said.

Political intervention and lack of adequate number of staff are the two major hurdles that prevent the health officials  from taking  stringent action, admits a Health Department official.

“I don’t want to blame anybody. But, certain restaurant owners have  influence even at the ministerial level. We are helpless in such circumstances,” said a Food Safety official.

Food Safety Commissioner

Instead of a bureaucrat, selecting a medical practitioner for the post of Food Safety Commissioner will help in chalking out a proper plan to ensure the quality of food, experts say. 

“A senior doctor can help the government chalk out a systematic strategy in this regard. More employees with public health training should be deployed,” experts added.

Food Safety should be made a separate portfolio so that the minister can seek the help of some experienced medical and health officials for launching special programmes to protect public health.

Public Awareness

More programmes to create awareness about food safety should be launched. “People must be made aware about what to buy and not. A majority of the public are not convinced about the harm and negative effects of unhygienic food. Proper awareness through media and various programmes are necessary,” said Dr R Sudhakaran, former District Medical Officer.