Kochi: The Kerala High Court has issued a firm directive to enforce food safety regulations, mandating that eateries serving food like shawarma must record the date and time of preparation. This decision came after a petition was filed by the mother of Devananda, a Plus One student from Kasaragod who tragically died after consuming shawarma. The petitioner blamed food safety lapses and insufficient inspections for her daughter’s untimely death.
Justice Devan Ramachandran, in his ruling, emphasized the need for strict adherence to food safety measures and commended the petitioner for raising awareness about the issue. The court also granted the petitioner Rs 25,000 in legal costs. The Food Safety Department’s inspection results, spanning from April to October, showed that fines totaling Rs 12.43 lakh were levied on establishments selling shawarma for violations of food safety norms.
Furthermore, the court instructed the Kasaragod Additional Sessions Court, which is overseeing the case, to address the compensation claim within the next two months. Devananda passed away on May 1, 2022, after consuming shawarma from a shop in Cheruvathur, Kasaragod, bringing this issue to the forefront of food safety enforcement in the region.
The Kerala High Court’s ruling aims to strengthen food safety practices across the state, particularly in light of the growing popularity of fast foods like shawarma. By mandating that food establishments maintain records of preparation times, the court seeks to ensure greater accountability and transparency, reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses. This decision serves as a significant reminder to food vendors about their responsibility to adhere to safety regulations, not only to protect public health but also to restore public trust in food safety standards. The case has sparked a broader conversation on the need for stricter enforcement and regular inspections of food establishments throughout the state.
