45 shawarma shops shut down

The Food Safety department has asked 45 food operating businesses selling shawarma to shut shop for violating the special guidelines that shawarma-making units are supposed to follow mandatorily.

A total of 1,557 shawarma-selling units were examined across the State on August 5 and 6 by food safety officials. Of this, 256 units were served rectification notices and another 263 were issued compounding notices.

Stringent action would be taken against food businesses which do not follow the special guidelines for shawarma units issued by the Food Safety wing, Health department said in a statement here,

Shawarma-making units in the State are mandatorily prevented from serving mayonnaise made with raw eggs along with the shawarma. The guidelines also refer to the hygiene to be maintained with regard to the shawarma cone, the table and the space where it is made. Also, the food parcel should contain the exact date and time when the item was made.

All food businesses should have the licence and registration of FSSAI. All food handlers in these shops should also have health certificates.