Food Safety officials conducted surprise raids on various hotels, bakeries, fish stalls and wholesale shops in the state in view of Christmas and New Year celebrations.
Food Safety Commissioner Biju Prabhakar said that raids were conducted on 443 shops and notices were issued to 181 shops to improve the hygienic conditions.
A sum of Rs 69,500 was collected as fine. One shop was directed to be closed down. A Food Safety control room has been opened to monitor complaints of food poison during the celebration period.
Complaints can be registered even during holidays and the officials will take quick action on the complaints. The toll free number for registering the complaint is 1800 425 1125. Those complaints which need urgent attention will be redressed at the earliest, he said.