Notices served on 44 eateries

Kochi/Tripunithura

: In a massive inspection drive conducted by the district health officials along with local body officials across

Ernakulam

on Friday, as many as 44 hotels and eateries were issued notices for violation of various rules as per the

Food Safety Act

. The violations include cooking food in unhygienic conditions, operating without licence and not treating waste properly.A total fine of Rs 7,200 was slapped on the violators. Health authorities recommended action by food safety officer against an establishment and local body action against 20.It has been found that 1,512 people work in the establishments which were inspected on Friday. Of these, only 560 workers have health cards. The officials also found that 53 firms have not exhibited the board prohibiting smoking.A total of 637 hotels, eateries, bakeries, cool bars, kitchens of hostels in education institutions, catering centres, ice factories, soda manufacturing units and other firms were inspected in the drive attended by 213 health workers in 50 teams. Meanwhile, health officials of Maradu municipality headed by health standing committee chairman

Chandra Kaladharan

conducted lightning raids at hotels in Maradu municipal area on Saturday and seized stale food. tnn