The food safety license of a KFC outlet in Thoothukudi has been temporarily cancelled due to the use of a synthetic additive. The outlet, located in Velavan Hypermarket complex, was inspected by a team led by District Food Safety Designated Officer Mariyappan and Area Food Safety Officer Kalimuthu on Thursday.
During the inspection, officials discovered that a synthetic food additive called magnesium silicate-synthetic was being used to purify used cooking oil, which had not been documented in the stock register. This additive is prohibited for cooking purposes. Authorities seized 18 kg of magnesium silicate-synthetic along with 45 litres of purified old cooking oil.
Additionally, 56 kg of pre-prepared chicken, which had exceeded the recommended storage time of 12 hours, was confiscated and disposed of.
An investigation into this violation has been ordered. Samples of the food will be analyzed, and legal action will be taken accordingly, as stated in an official release. The outlet is prohibited from operating until further notice.
Inspection of Pani Puri Shops
Furthermore, officials conducted inspections at pani puri shops in various locations within the city. No artificial colorants were found during the inspections. However, authorities collected and sent samples of three types of food styles and three samples of pani puri masala for laboratory analysis over the past two days.
According to officials, appropriate legal action will be initiated based on the findings of the analysis report.