COIMBATORE: Field-level Food Safety Officers (FSOs) in Coimbatore district are grappling with severe space constraints, inadequate infrastructure, and growing personal safety fears — all while being pushed to meet monthly targets for tobacco raids.
Many officers, especially those stationed in rural blocks and municipalities, lack basic office facilities to safely store samples and official records. Some are forced to use their personal spaces and even spend from their own pockets to purchase steel cupboards and storage essentials.
An FSO from rural Coimbatore voiced concern over the pressure to conduct four raids a month targeting banned tobacco sales. “Traders involved in such activities can be aggressive. Though we get police support during major raids, we often have to work alone, which is dangerous,” the officer said.
Since 2023, the Food Safety Department — in collaboration with the police — has been cracking down on tobacco sales. Penalties for repeated offences include sealing of premises and fines ranging from ₹50,000 to ₹1 lakh, along with licence suspensions.
Coimbatore district has 23 FSOs, part of the 390 deployed across Tamil Nadu. Their roles involve ensuring food safety compliance, investigating violations, and preventing food-borne illnesses.
Another officer highlighted the lack of office space in areas like Thondamuthur, Valparai, Sultanpet, and Anaimalai, saying, “We store official documents in our homes. We’re expected to do critical public health work with only a wooden desk and chair.”
District Designated Officer Dr T Anuradha acknowledged these challenges. “We’ve advised FSOs to conduct raids in pairs and seek police help if needed. We’ve also requested the health department to allot office spaces in underserved blocks.”