Call and get food tested at doorstep

The food safety department launched a mobile food lab “Chicken 65” which will go to various localities in different cities of Chennai and the outskirts to test the quality of food. The van, equipped with various testing facilities, was flagged off by health minister C Vijayabaskar.

Chicken 65 with too much colour, carbonated drinks that are high on sugar, milk adulterated with water, residents can clear doubts about the quality of their food at their door step now.

Food safety officials said, the department had tied up with various associations working for residents’ welfare, traders and pushcart vendors. “The purpose of the van will be dual: The quality of the food will be tested and food business operators will be educated on how to maintain safe standards,” said a food safety official. The van’s schedule will be published in the department’s website in the beginning of each month.

The officials Said, “If there are blank dates, associations can call or email us,” adding that they had already got requests from around 10 associations, including traders in the wholesale market in Koyambedu. The van will shuttle between Chennai, Kancheepuram and Tiruvallur. The department will be adding one more vehicle to its fleet in March.

In addition, the service will help the department keep track on facilities that follow unsafe practices. In Chennai, since 2011, of the 969 food samples lifted, 209 were found to be substandard, and 120 unsafe — those found containing harmful bacteria, viruses, parasites or chemical substances.

Those who want to avail the facility can write to [email protected] or WhatsApp or call 9444042322.