WhatsApp complaints on food, edible items on the rise
TNN | Feb 9, 2020, 04.42 AM IST
TNN | Feb 9, 2020, 04.42 AM IST
MADURAI: The Madurai district food safety department has received 209 complaints over WhatsApp related to bad food and sub-standard edible items in 2019, which is one of highest number registered in the state.
Officials said that of the 32 districts, only four districts, including Madurai, had received WhatsApp complaints crossing the 200 mark. They said that it was result of the kind of awareness measures carried out and publicity taken up by pasting stickers at eateries and hotels. In fact, Chennai had received more than 500 complaints, while Kancheepuram received more than 300 complaints. Sources said that of the 209 complaints received, action was taken against the concerned eateries with 24 hours, while action against 29 eateries was taken between 24 and 48 hours. However, all the complaints have been addressed subsequently. WhatsApp method, which was popularized a couple of years ago by the food safety department, is the most preferred means for raising complaints.
Designated officer for food safety, Madurai district, Dr M Somasundaram said that most complaints were related to food served at hotels and eateries. There were fewer complaints in connection with adulteration or substandard food materials. All the complaints were taken seriously and checked at the earliest by pressing the food safety officer for the area concerned, he said.
Officials lifted 88 samples in 2019 from food business operators dealing with various food products of which 77 were sent to laboratories for testing. Of the 77 samples, 36 were found unsafe and 52 did not confirm to the standards set by the Food Safety and Standards Authorities of India. As on December, 2019, 21 civil cases filed by the food safety department were pending before the RDO court. As many as 62 criminal cases were filed from Madurai district, sources said.
Officials said that of the 32 districts, only four districts, including Madurai, had received WhatsApp complaints crossing the 200 mark. They said that it was result of the kind of awareness measures carried out and publicity taken up by pasting stickers at eateries and hotels. In fact, Chennai had received more than 500 complaints, while Kancheepuram received more than 300 complaints. Sources said that of the 209 complaints received, action was taken against the concerned eateries with 24 hours, while action against 29 eateries was taken between 24 and 48 hours. However, all the complaints have been addressed subsequently. WhatsApp method, which was popularized a couple of years ago by the food safety department, is the most preferred means for raising complaints.
Designated officer for food safety, Madurai district, Dr M Somasundaram said that most complaints were related to food served at hotels and eateries. There were fewer complaints in connection with adulteration or substandard food materials. All the complaints were taken seriously and checked at the earliest by pressing the food safety officer for the area concerned, he said.
Officials lifted 88 samples in 2019 from food business operators dealing with various food products of which 77 were sent to laboratories for testing. Of the 77 samples, 36 were found unsafe and 52 did not confirm to the standards set by the Food Safety and Standards Authorities of India. As on December, 2019, 21 civil cases filed by the food safety department were pending before the RDO court. As many as 62 criminal cases were filed from Madurai district, sources said.
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