Staff shortage endangers risky raids by food safety officials in Coimbatore

Many officials working at the block and municipality levels lack adequate office space and material assistance for safely storing their samples and files.
Image used for representational purposes only.
Image used for representational purposes only. Photo | Express
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3 min read

COIMBATORE: Space and even staff crunch is hampering the operations of the field-level food safety officials (FSOs) of the Food Safety Department in Coimbatore district. Several officers even fear for their safety as they carry out raids alone.

Many officials working at the block and municipality levels lack adequate office space and material assistance for safely storing their samples and files.

Many claim they are being pressured to meet monthly targets on seizing tobacco products and are apprehensive  of their personal safety.
An FSO from Coimbatore rural district explained the 'monthly target' for tobacco seizures, stating that they are required to complete four raids each month.

Since 2023, these raids against tobacco products have been conducted with the support of the police in Coimbatore. For a first offence, a shop may be sealed for 15 days. A second offense can result in a fine of Rs 50,000 and a one-month sealing, while a third offence may lead to a fine of Rs 1 lakh, a three-month sealing, and the suspension of the food safety licence.

"We (one officer) cannot represent the entire department's duties in a particular block. Most traders involved in illegal activities are violent. We cannot manage the situations individually. We can manage during the raids with police support, but it becomes dangerous when we conduct individual raids.

The department insists that every FSO should carry out two joint and individual raids against the sale of banned tobacco products each month. If we fail to do so, we must provide explanations. This practice should be abolished across the state," said the FSO.

There are approximately 390 food safety officers across the state, with 23 officers working in Coimbatore. Their responsibilities include ensuring that food businesses comply with food safety regulations and standards.
"We inspect food premises, collect samples, investigate complaints, and take action against violations, ultimately protecting public health by preventing food-borne illnesses.

Meanwhile, we have been conducting individual and joint raids against banned tobacco products since 2023. We have not been provided with the basic facilities needed to perform our work effectively. In Coimbatore district, some FSOs, such as those in Thondamuthur, Sultanpet, Anaimalai, and Valparai, have not been given office spaces, forcing them to store official documents and collected samples in their work spaces," another FSO said, requesting anonymity.

"While some of us lack office space, others do not have access to essential facilities like safety lockers. The department has only provided us with a wooden table and an 'S' type chair. We have spent our own money to buy a steel bureau to keep our files and samples safe. Whenever we are transferred, it poses a problem because we must either transport these items with us or purchase new ones," he added.

Dr T Anuradha, the Designated Food Safety Officer for Coimbatore district, acknowledges the risks faced by FSOs. She stated that they have been instructed to carry out raids with at least two FSOs from neighbouring areas.

"The aim of these raids is to curb the sale of banned tobacco products, and we must pursue this goal. However, FSOs do face risks when conducting individual raids, which is why we encourage them to coordinate with other FSOs. If there is any danger, they can call the police for assistance," Anuradha said.

She also mentioned that she has requested the district health department to provide office spaces to FSOs lacking facilities in the rural parts of the district.

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