Is your ready-made Onam sadya safe to eat? Checks to perform

Just as in the previous years, the Kerala state government is undertaking special checks to ensure that the ready-to-eat foods and hotel meals served during Onam are healthy. The quality of chips, coconut oil, ghee, vegetables and grains is checked in various eateries. However, customers too should carry out some checks before diving into their instant Onam sadya packets. Here is the checklist:

1) Order from hygienic eateries
Do not pick eateries by the price rates alone, prioritise hygiene as well when you order your Onam sadya. Check ratings, take second opinions, follow believable recommendations and reviews. Keep an eye on the banana leaf provided by the hotelier as well. Wash it properly to remove stains and dirt. 

2) Assess meals' quality
Inquire the preparation time of curries and accompaniments to assess how fresh they are, and within what time you should have the sadya. The containers they are provided in should also be checked to see whether they are spoilage-resistant. Check whether the rice is well-cooked and moisture-free. If you sense any off-smell or discolouration, do not eat the food. 

4)Potential allergens
Check with the caterers on whether any potential allergens are added to the dishes. Some people can be allergic to certain nuts, legumes, seeds, spices or dairy products used to prepare various items of the sadya and ask whether the item that gives you an allergy was part of the ingredients.