Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru/Udupi (MS)

Mangaluru/Udupi, Feb 17: It is shocking to note that the coastal districts, which dish out the most delicious seafood, does not have a single food and water analysis laboratory.

More than 140 students of a private nursing college at Shaktinagar were admitted to hospitals in the city recently on Monday, February 6, due to food poisoning. The food consumed by them was sent to a food and water analysis laboratory in Bengaluru. According to official sources, the report might take at least some time to arrive.

According to food safety rules, before any food is released into the market or before any food, hotel or catering industry begins, they need to get certification from the food safety department. This needs a food and water anlysis laboratory that is recognised by National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratory or NAAB.

In Karnataka there are only four food and water analysis laboratories in Mysuru, Bengaluru, Hubballi-Dharwad and Belagavi. Though there is a proposal to begin one such laboratory for every district, the same has not been given much importance so far.

In addition, there is only one officer for food safety inspection in Dakshina Kannada district. In addition to giving permission to the food industry and the units, every responsibility has to be borne by him. At the taluk level this responsibility needs to be looked after by THOs.