E. coli, coliform bacteria in water from Kochi eateries prompt scrutiny

The detection of coliform bacteria and E. coli in water samples collected from eateries in Kochi has raised serious health concerns. The worrying water quality indicators emerged following inspections conducted at eateries across the city over the past two months.Joint inspections by the Health department, Kochi Corporation, Food Safety department and the police began in July in an effort to control the spread of infectious diseases. More than 180 shops and eateries have been inspected so far.According to the reports, the Most Probable Number (MPN) of coliform bacteria detected in the samples ranged from 17 per 100 ml to 1,600 per 100 ml.The MPN should be zero in drinking water, according to M.K. Mukundan, former director of the Council for Food Research and Development, Konni.The MPN of E. coli was found to be 280 per 100 ml in most samples.Mr. Mukundan said the higher MPN index in the samples indicated faecal contamination. Considering the values detected, the water was unfit for human consumption, he said.He called for regular inspections of water bottling and processing units to ensure the quality of packaged drinking water. “Around 70% of bottled water is produced locally. Random checks need to be conducted regularly at the facilities to ensure quality,” he said.Coliform bacteria were detected in samples of tap water, bottled water, ice cubes and water from filters used at outlets near Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Palarivattom, Vyttila and Broadway.“The samples for testing were generally collected from sumps at these establishments. We detected residual chlorine in such water samples during our earlier inspections, indicating that the water was uncontaminated,” a Kerala Water Authority (KWA) source said. The source added that regular checks were carried out as a quality-control measure.The presence of E. coli in bottled water samples was a matter of concern, Corporation Health Officer G. Krishnakumar said. A water sample from a borewell used by an eatery had also tested positive for E. coli.He said regular inspections had improved compliance among restaurants. “Earlier, some staff members did not have health cards, and the water used for preparing food was substandard and contaminated. Following regular inspections, the establishments have made the necessary changes,” Mr. Krishnakumar said. Published - September 07, 2026 12:12 am IST