Buying Christmas cake from your favourite home baker? Here’s what to watch out for

With the Christmas season upon us, it's the perfect time for indulging in delicious cakes and baked goodies. The festive demand has led to a surge in home bakers, offering housewives and small businesses an excellent income source. However, this growing trend comes with potential risks if left unchecked. Unlike established bakehouses, some home bakers might not possess the necessary licenses or follow food safety regulations. To ensure safe and high-quality food for all, the Kerala Government, in collaboration with Food Safety Kerala and the FSSAI, has issued crucial directives for entrepreneurs, home cooks, and consumers. These guidelines aim to promote safe practices, ensuring the health and well-being of everyone during the festive season.

For entrepreneurs and home cooks:

• Use only safe and top-quality ingredients for food production, including cakes.
• Ensure that cashews, raisins, and other baking ingredients are fresh and free from bugs.
• Purchase ingredients and raw materials only from FSSAI-approved stores.
• Use FSSAI-approved food colourants and other additives in stipulated quantities, while minimizing the use of colouring agents.
• Avoid displaying food packets in shops if they lack proper labeling.
• Ensure packaged food is free of mould, damages, and that the packaging is intact.

For consumers:

• Do not buy packaged food without proper labels.
• Always read and understand the contents on food labels before purchasing.
• Purchase fish, meat, and other perishable items only from FSSAI-approved stores.
• For grievances related to food safety, call the toll-free number: 1800 425 1125.

By adhering to these guidelines, both entrepreneurs and consumers can contribute to safer and more reliable food practices this festive season.