One hotel was ordered to shut, and two eateries were fined ₹6,000 following a joint food safety inspection on Monday (July 20). The inspection covered eight establishments in the Kaloor and Kadavanthra areas of Ernakulam. The inspection, conducted to prevent the spread of infectious diseases by ensuring food and beverage hygiene, will continue in the coming days, District Medical Officer (DMO) Dr. R. Shahirsha said.

The surprise inspection drive, launched a few weeks ago, is being jointly conducted by the District Health department, the Food Safety wing, the Kochi Corporation Health department and the police. As part of the drive, officials carried out surprise checks at hotels, street-side stalls and roadside eateries.

Drinking water samples were collected from six establishments that did not have water quality test reports and sent for analysis. One outlet was ordered to close after officials found violations, including the absence of water quality test reports and health cards and the presence of stale and unfit food. Posters outlining the guidelines to be followed by eateries were also displayed at the inspected establishments.

In a statement, the DMO said punitive action would be taken against anyone handling food in a manner that could lead to the spread of infectious diseases. He added that all establishments involved in the preparation and handling of food and beverages must strictly adhere to the guidelines.