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Massive Inspection of 278 Panipuri Shops in Coimbatore - 57 Shops Issued Notices

SimpliCity News Team File Photo · 11 Jul 2024

Coimbatore: The Coimbatore District Food Safety Department has conducted a massive inspection drive targeting panipuri shops across the city. Under the leadership of K. Tamilselvan, the Designated Food Safety Officer, teams of food safety officials were divided into 10 groups to carry out the inspections.

The officials targeted panipuri shops, preparation areas, fast food outlets, and push cart vendors. As part of this ongoing drive, on July 10, they conducted a field inspection at panipuri preparation and sales locations in Avarampalayam. During this check, they seized and destroyed 10,000 unhygienically prepared panipuris and 12 kg of rotten potatoes, worth approximately Rs. 23,000.

Furthermore, five raw materials used in panipuri preparation were collected as food samples and sent for analysis. The food safety department plans to take action against those involved based on the results of these tests.

According to a recent press release by the food safety department, "In this series of field inspections, 278 shops were examined, resulting in notices being issued to 57 shops and preparation areas. Fifteen food samples were collected, and 23 shops were fined a total of Rs. 46,000 for using banned plastic covers."

The inspections at panipuri preparation and sales locations resulted in the confiscation of various items from 223 retail sellers and 9 preparation sites. These included 98.5 liters of pani with excessive color additives, 62 kg of puri, 34.5 kg of substandard mushrooms, 88.5 kg of potato masala, and 12 kg of low-quality potatoes.

Additionally, 55.45 kg of food items, including chilli chicken with excessive artificial coloring, substandard noodles, and parotta, were seized and destroyed.

The press release also outlined guidelines for panipuri preparation and sales. It stated that proper regulations must be followed at preparation sites, with workers required to wear aprons, head covers, and gloves. The premises should be maintained hygienically. Vendors are also required to wear head covers, face masks, and aprons while selling.

The water used in panipuri preparation must be clean and hygienic, and long-stored water should not be used. Only quality vegetables should be used in preparation. The food safety department emphasized these points to ensure the safety and hygiene of panipuri sold in Coimbatore.

food safety panipuri inspection hygiene Coimbatore plastic ban

Massive Inspection of 278 Panipuri Shops in Coimbatore - 57 Shops Issued Notices

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