Authorities in Kozhikode have taken swift action against a popsicle shop after a video showing the maker’s unhygienic practices went viral. The incident occurred at “Ice Me,” a shop located in Elettil Vattoli within Kizhakkothu panchayat near Koduvally.
The video, captured by a customer, showed Rasheed, the popsicle maker from Ambalapparambil in Choolam Vayal, Kunnamangalam, tasting each popsicle before packing it. Public outrage over the video prompted an immediate response from the food safety and health departments.
Asianet News report:, 'They tasted the ice cream.'
But they do know that 'tasting' isn't about licking every ice cream to check. Instead, it's a 'halal spitting practice.'
If they say such things, Kerala's secularism might collapse!
They are scared that if people find out… pic.twitter.com/zVu8ngqJrq
— Pratheesh Viswanath (@pratheesh_Hind) November 21, 2024
The Koduvally police, alerted to the issue, locked the premises and referred the matter to relevant authorities. Food Safety Officer Anees Rehman and Junior Health Inspector PM Vinod conducted an inspection of the shop. During their visit, they collected samples of the flavored ice for testing at the Regional Analytical Laboratory in Malapparamba, Kozhikode.
“The shop’s registration has been suspended, and a report has been submitted to the Assistant Food Safety Commissioner for further action,” said Rehman. He added that the shop operator claimed the popsicles were not for sale but intended for personal consumption by his family, as the machinery had been idle for months. However, the inspection revealed the premises were unhygienic, leading to its closure.
Junior Health Inspector Vinod noted that both the ice-making unit and its retail outlet had been non-operational for several months. “The reason behind the maker’s actions remains unclear,” he said.
Authorities are awaiting the results of the laboratory analysis to determine the next course of action against the shop and its operator. The incident has raised concerns about hygiene standards in small-scale food production units.
(With inputs from OnManorama)
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