Kozhikode: The Kozhikode Corporation has informed the Kerala State Human Rights Commission that all necessary measures have been taken to ensure the safety of welcome drinks served at parties and public functions.

The assurance came in a report submitted to the Commission after it initiated suo motu proceedings over a surge in Hepatitis A infections reported within the Corporation limits. The outbreak, which reportedly affected 56 people in November 2024, was linked to contaminated welcome drinks served at various functions across the city and suburbs.

Judicial member K Baiju Nath had directed the Corporation and the Food Safety Commissioner to submit detailed reports on the issue.

In its explanation, the Corporation said it would monitor the quality of ice used in welcome drinks by inspecting local ice plants and scientifically testing the water used for ice production. It also claimed that its health wing was conducting continuous follow-up actions in all 75 wards to prevent the spread of Hepatitis A.

Inspections have been intensified at cool bars, street food outlets, and hotels, while public awareness campaigns and chlorination of water sources have also been strengthened.

The Corporation further noted that once the sewage treatment plants at Sarovaram and West Hill begin operations, the city’s waste management issues would be largely resolved. It added that the 100 KLD-capacity plant at the Government Medical College Hospital is already functional.

The Food Safety Commissioner, in a separate report to the Commission, said no single source — such as a specific hotel or food item — could be identified as the origin of the outbreak. He also pointed out that there is currently no facility to test for Hepatitis A in Kozhikode.

Following the submissions, the Human Rights Commission said it has closed the proceedings related to the case.