The Health department, in collaboration with the Kochi Corporation, is set to conduct inspections at water bottling units in the city. This move comes after the recent detection of E. coli bacteria in drinking water samples collected from roadside eateries in Kochi.
The presence of E. coli was found in five water samples collected from eateries in Kaloor, Vyttila, and Thammanam. Additionally, a water sample from a borewell used at an eatery also tested positive for the bacteria. These findings have raised concerns about the quality of water being used and served at the outlets.
According to Health department sources, the test results have prompted the authorities to take measures to prevent the spread of waterborne and other infectious diseases. A Health official stated that the department has been conducting surprise checks over the past two months and is also stepping up awareness campaigns on the importance of consuming only boiled water.
As part of the food safety drive, jointly conducted by the Health department, Food Safety wing, Kochi Corporation’s Health wing, and the police, nearly 60 outlets were inspected in the city over a span of two months. Inspections will continue, with plans to conduct them thrice a week during the festive season, according to Corporation officials.
Seena Gokulan, chairperson of the Corporation’s health standing committee, mentioned that while the source of the bacterial presence in drinking water is unclear, plans are underway to organize meetings with vendors distributing bottled water. Corporation Health officer G. Krishnakumar stated that the bottling centers are not located within the Corporation limits, and efforts are being made to track them down using information from hoteliers.
