E. coli found in drinking water at Kochi roadside eateries, inspections ordered

Authorities will inspect water bottling units after E. coli bacteria was found in drinking water samples from five roadside eateries during recent surprise checks in Kochi.

The contaminated samples were collected from outlets at Kaloor, Vyttila, and Thammanam; one sample from a borewell at an eatery also tested positive for the bacteria. Health department sources said the results have raised concerns about the quality of water being used and served across the city.

Festive season surveillance

Close to 60 outlets have been inspected over the past two months under a food safety drive jointly conducted by the Health department, Food Safety wing, Kochi Corporation's Health wing, and the police. Inspections will continue thrice a week in view of the festive occasion, Corporation officials said.

"We have been conducting surprise checks during the past two months. We are focused on preventing the spread of waterborne and other infectious diseases. We are also stepping up awareness campaigns on the need to consume only boiled water," a Health official said.

Tracking supply chains

Seena Gokulan, health standing committee chairperson of the Corporation, said there was no clarity regarding the source of bacterial presence in drinking water, and that meetings with vendors distributing bottles were being planned.

Corporation Health officer G. Krishnakumar said such bottling centres were not present within the Corporation limits. "We have to find out where these restaurants procure water cans from. We are trying to track them down using information from hoteliers. A meeting will be called soon," he added.

Source: The Hindu