Thiruvananthapuram, June 2 (BPNS)
Paving the way for healthy competition among food business units in the state, the food safety department has started to provide a hygiene star certificate. Of the 673 units already selected for certification by the department, 519 received the same. The certification provides ratings from five-star to three-star to hotels while considering parameters like hygiene, and cleanliness. According to the department, the list of such hotels that received the certification will soon be publicized through its website. A specially designed app, yet to be launched, will also help the customers to search for hotels with five-star to three-star ratings near to them.
“The certification is being provided not by the size or of other amenities. What matters most is whether a hotel is preparing safe and hygienic food and serving the same to customers in a clean environment. Some 40 parameters are being considered for the certification and it will have a validity of two years,” said an officer of the food safety department.
It is learned that those units which had a five-star rating will be included in the green category, four-star in the blue category, and three-star in the yellow category. Those below three-star are not provided with any ratings.
Earlier in 2019, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India introduced a hygiene rating with the intent of ensuring that consumers make informed choices while eating out and also encouraging food businesses to showcase and improve their food hygiene standards.
At the same time, in the state so far 6102 inspections were conducted and action was initiated against 400 units for violating food safety norms. 1864 units were served with notices.
Thiruvananthapuram – 5
Kollam – 36
Pathanamthitta – 19
Alappuzha – 31
Kottayam – 44
Idukki – 20
Ernakulam – 57
Thrissur- 59
Palakkad- 60
Malappuram- 66
Kozhikode – 39
Wayanad – 12
Kannur- 46
Kasargod – 25
