Hair in ice cream, expired stock: Multiplexes in Keralam’s Kollam busted for food safety violations

Kerala food safety authorities have detected critical hygiene violations and operational lapses during inspections at two major multiplexes in Kollam city, located at Jerome Nagar and RP Mall. Officials found that despite their polished exteriors and premium prices, the businesses did not meet basic food safety standards.

In one of the multiplexes, inspectors found serious mishandling of food, especially open ice cream containers contaminated with dust, hair and flies. Officials said leaving such sensitive ready-to-eat products exposed inside the freezer exposes them to falling condensation. In addition, the management improperly stored vegetarian and non-vegetarian food together in the same freezer boxes without sufficient separation.

Expired milk packets

The inspection team also collected expired milk packets from the freezer boxes. Although the facility claimed the items were intended for disposal, officials pointed out they lacked proper labeling and were not segregated as security protocols mandate. Management was ordered to immediately dispose of the compromised goods and strictly adhere to food restriction rules.

Second, the violations were even more serious as the business was found to be operating entirely without a valid food safety license.

The food safety department said strict checks will continue at malls and entertainment centers in the city to crack down on substandard practices.

Authorities urged consumers to report irregularities and stressed that facilities that charge premiums must adhere to uncompromising standards of hygiene and legal compliance.

Published – 11 Sep 2026 14:58 IST