Around 45 special squads are deployed by the Kerala state government to ensure that the Onam season food is clean and healthy. The squads will inspect the quality of oils, payasam mixes, ghee, veggies, pulses, fruits and more at catering units, hotels and more. Regardless, if your plan for Onam is to give yourself a break from cooking and indulge in a ready-to-eat sadya, here's how to ensure the feast delivered to you is hygienic and of good quality:
Order from a reputable eatery
Ensure that the eatery from which you order the sadya follows hygiene standards. If required take second opinions and check reviews and recommendations. See whether the banana leaf they provide is also visibly clean. Wash it well to remove any stains or dirt.
Check curries and rice for quality
You can request details from the restaurant regarding the preparation time of curries to see whether they are freshly made. Also see whether the containers they are stored in are clean and spoilage-resistant. The rice should also be dry and not mushy. You should also see whether there is an off-smell or discolouration, to check the quality of the rice. Also check whether steps are taken to ensure appropriate temperature is maintained for each of the dishes.
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 allergy were part of the ingredients.
