Tirunelveli halwa food hygiene issue

Scorpion in Tirunelveli Halwa? Shanthi Sweets Under Investigation After Viral Video

Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu – A popular sweet shop, Shanthi Sweets, known for its signature Tirunelveli halwa, is now at the center of a controversy after a customer claimed to have discovered a scorpion inside a halwa packet purchased from their Tirunelveli Junction outlet.

On July 13th, Sugandhanabu, a resident of Keezha Alaganachiarpuram village near Sankarankoil, bought halwa from the outlet and allegedly found a scorpion upon opening the packet at home. He immediately recorded a video of the incident, which quickly went viral on social media, sparking concerns and outrage among the public.

In the video, Sugandhanabu voiced his shock and disappointment, stating his intention to file a complaint in consumer court, accusing the sweet shop of negligence in food safety and hygiene.

Shanthi Sweets Denies Allegation, Claims Conspiracy

Responding to the uproar, the owner of Shanthi Sweets denied the allegations outright, suggesting the video could be part of a malicious attempt to defame the brand. The management announced plans to lodge a police complaint, alleging that the situation may have been fabricated to tarnish their long-standing reputation.

Food Safety Department Steps In

As the video gained traction online, officials from the Tamil Nadu Food Safety Department visited the shop’s outlet and its associated manufacturing unit and godown on July 16th for inspection. According to Designated Food Safety Officer Pushparaj, the likelihood of a scorpion entering a sealed sweet packet during the cooking or packing process is extremely low.

Despite this, authorities issued a formal notice to the sweet shop owner, demanding an explanation within 15 days. During the inspection, officials advised staff to install window nets in the godown and reinforce hygiene protocols to prevent future concerns.

Food samples were collected from the kitchen for analysis, and further action will depend on the test results and the explanation provided by the owner.

Impact on Food Hygiene Awareness in Tirunelveli

This incident has led to a broader conversation about food safety, consumer protection, and accountability in the sweet shop industry across Tirunelveli and nearby regions. With growing public awareness, authorities may increase inspections to ensure proper food handling and hygiene practices are maintained in all eateries and sweet shops.

While investigations are ongoing, this episode underscores the importance of strict hygiene protocols, especially in establishments handling large volumes of food. Whether the scorpion incident was genuine or fabricated, it has undoubtedly sparked a vital debate about food safety in Tirunelveli.