A health card, valid for one year, requires a medical examination and certification by a registered practitioner, covering various health parameters including infectious diseases, skin conditions, and vaccinations.
Published Jun 27, 2025 | 11:58 AM ⚊ Updated Jun 27, 2025 | 11:58 AM
Kerala Health Minister Veena George. (Facebook)
In a major move to tighten food safety regulations, Health Minister Veena George has ordered a state-wide inspection of health cards issued to employees in food establishments.
The directive follows the discovery of suspected fake health cards allegedly issued by a private lab to a catering unit during a routine inspection in Pathanamthitta.
The Minister has instructed both the Health Department and the Food Safety Department to launch special inspections across the state.
Under the Food Safety Standards Regulation, health cards are mandatory for all food handlers to ensure they are free from contagious diseases and other health risks that could endanger public health.
The health department said that to make it easier for workers to obtain health cards, the government has made typhoid vaccines available at subsidised rates through Karunya Pharmacies.
Strict action awaits violators — establishments employing staff without valid health cards or with forged certificates will have their licenses revoked.
Additionally, the government has warned that doctors issuing fake medical certificates will face license suspension and legal proceedings.
A health card, valid for one year, requires a medical examination and certification by a registered practitioner, covering various health parameters including infectious diseases, skin conditions, and vaccinations.
