Coimbatore: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has cautioned traders and transporters after inspections found negligence in the safe movement of perishable food items in several places in Tamil Nadu.
Officials said items such as milk, paneer, meat and fish were not being transported under the required temperature conditions. This can lead to rapid growth of bacteria and other microorganisms, increasing the risk of spoilage and posing a threat to public health.
FSSAI has issued directions covering the entire supply chain—from production to distribution—stressing that only clean, fully covered vehicles should be used. It also instructed that recommended low temperatures must be maintained at every stage until the products reach customers.
The authority further asked businesses to use quality packing materials and avoid carrying perishables in jute bags or unhygienic sacks. Food must be protected from dust, moisture and pests, and transport receipts and related documents should be produced immediately during inspections.
To ensure compliance, FSSAI has directed state food safety officials and railway authorities to conduct intensive vehicle checks. FSSAI Executive Director Dr Amit Sharma said violators should face legal action, and substandard food should be seized and destroyed without delay.
