Health · Public Health & Disease · 1 day ago
Food safety inspections in Kozhikode lead to fines exceeding ₹16 lakh
Food safety officials in Kozhikode district, in the Indian state of Kerala, have fined eateries more than ₹16 lakh over three months.
The inspections are part of Operation Thelima, a state-wide drive, and cover hotels, bakeries and other food businesses.
Officials found stale ingredients, unhygienic preparation and storage, and equipment and vessels in poor condition.
Some food was also prepared or sold where contaminated water could pose a risk.
Poor handling can spread bacteria such as E. coli and Salmonella, which can cause serious illness.
At Beach Food Street, one outlet was ordered to close and six others were given notices.
Six mobile inspection squads are continuing checks, and penalties depend on the type and seriousness of each violation.
Food safety inspections in Kozhikode district resulted in fines of more than ₹16 lakh against eateries over the past three months.
Inspectors found unhygienic food preparation, stale ingredients, corroded equipment and failures to meet basic hygiene requirements.
The checks are part of Operation Thelima, a State government drive carried out by six mobile squads.
At Beach Food Street, one outlet was ordered to shut down and six others were served notices.
Penalties under the Food Safety and Standards Act vary according to the violation, with more serious cases potentially leading to imprisonment and fines.
- Who
- Food Safety Department squads and food establishments in Kozhikode district
- What
- Inspections under Operation Thelima found violations and led to fines, notices and a closure order
- When
- Over the three months before October 10, 2026
- Where
- Kozhikode district, Kerala, including Beach Food Street and an establishment near Malabar Christian College
- Why
- To check food safety violations and enforce hygiene requirements
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
A recent inspection at a food establishment near Malabar Christian College in the city found food items that had reportedly been stored for several days. The items included stale curries, spices, spice mixes, fruits, vegetables, bread and chapatis,
This story does not have a timeline yet.
- Fines
- More than ₹16 lakh over the past three months
- Inspection teams
- Six mobile squads
- Beach Food Street action
- One outlet ordered to shut down; six others served notices
- Relevant law
- Food Safety and Standards Act
- Article publication date
- October 10, 2026
Sources
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