A Kozhikode-based ice-cream manufacturing unit, Ice Me, faced closure after a viral video exposed unhygienic practices. An employee was filmed tasting ice sticks before packaging, triggering widespread outrage. Local residents, alarmed by the video, reported the matter to authorities, leading to the employee being handed over to the police and the factory’s food safety registration being suspended.
കോഴിക്കോട് ഐസ് സ്റ്റിക്ക് രുചിച്ചുനോക്കി പാക്കിങ് നടത്തിയ ഐസ് നിര്മാണ യൂണിറ്റ് പൂട്ടിച്ചു ☹️☹️☹️
— Meera Shyam (@meera_24shyam) November 21, 2024
കോഴിക്കോട് കിഴക്കോത്തെ ഐസ് മി യൂണിറ്റിൽ ക്വാളിറ്റി ടെസ്റ്റ് ചെയ്ത് ഐസ് സ്റ്റിക്ക് പാക്ക് ചെയ്യുന്ന വീഡിയോ 👇👇👇 pic.twitter.com/DhfdzzqM26
The incident occurred in Ambalapara, Kozhikode, where a customer named Sajith recorded shocking footage of unhygienic practices at the Ice Me ice cream manufacturing unit. The viral video, showing an employee tasting ice sticks before packaging, sparked widespread outrage. Promptly responding to the public outcry, food safety officials collected samples from the factory and sent them to Malappuram’s regional laboratory for analysis. This revelation triggered a state-wide inspection campaign, as authorities aimed to curb food safety violations and address concerns about foodborne illnesses in Kerala.
In light of this incident, the Kerala government has ramped up enforcement efforts to ensure food safety compliance. Initiatives like Operation FoSCoS have intensified, targeting unlicensed establishments across the state. Recent inspections have resulted in over 13,000 checks, leading to closures, fines, and notices for businesses found violating food safety regulations. Authorities are taking a firm stance to protect public health and prevent such breaches.
Public health officials continue to stress the importance of adhering to hygiene and food safety standards in production and handling. Businesses are urged to obtain mandatory health certifications and follow proper protocols to maintain consumer trust and prevent similar incidents in the future.
