E. coli in eatery water: Kochi health dept to inspect bottling units
The Health department and the Kochi Corporation are planning to conduct inspections at units involved in bottling water, following the detection of E. coli bacteria in drinking water samples collected during recent surprise checks at roadside eateries in the city.
E. coli was found in five samples taken from eateries at Kaloor, Vyttila, and Thammanam. A water sample from a borewell used at one eatery also tested positive for the bacteria. According to Health department sources, the test results have raised concerns about the quality of water being used and served at these outlets.
A Health official said surprise checks have been conducted over 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," the official said.
The inspections are part of a food safety drive jointly conducted by the Health department, the Food Safety wing, the Kochi Corporation's Health wing, and the police. Nearly 60 outlets have been inspected in the city over the last two months. Corporation officials said inspections will continue and will be held three times a week in view of the festive season, when the consumption of food and water from outside increases.
Seena Gokulan, chairperson of the Corporation's health standing committee, said there was no clarity yet on the source of the bacterial contamination in drinking water. She added that meetings are planned with vendors who distribute bottled water to eateries.
Corporation Health officer G. Krishnakumar said such bottling centres are 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 said.
E. coli is a type of bacteria commonly found in the intestines of animals and humans. Its presence in drinking water suggests faecal contamination, which can cause gastrointestinal illnesses such as diarrhoea, cramps, and nausea. The detection has prompted authorities to step up surveillance and trace the source of water supplied to commercial establishments.
Officials have urged residents to consume only boiled or treated water and to report any suspected cases of waterborne diseases. The upcoming inspections of bottling units are expected to ensure that water supplied to eateries meets safety standards and to identify any lapses in hygiene or treatment processes.
