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, where a customer named Sajith recorded the footage while visiting the unit. Food safety officials promptly collected samples from the factory, which were sent to Malappuram’s regional laboratory for analysis. This sparked a broader inspection campaign across Kerala, as foodborne illnesses remain a concern in the state.
In response to rising food safety violations, the Kerala government has intensified enforcement efforts. Recent raids under initiatives like Operation FoSCoS have targeted unlicensed establishments, with over 13,000 inspections leading to closures, fines, and notices.
Public health authorities continue to emphasize the importance of hygiene in food production and handling, urging businesses to comply with mandatory health certifications and food safety norms to prevent incidents like these from recurring.
