Lucknow. As part of the Yogi government’s priority on the quality of food items and safety of consumers, the Department of Food Safety and Drug Administration has carried out extensive inspection and enforcement action against fast food chains, restaurants and food establishments. A total of 152 teams inspected 233 establishments in Lucknow, Noida and Gorakhpur. As many as 163 correction notices were issued for deficiencies noticed during the investigation, while the food establishments were closed with suspension of licenses against establishments with serious irregularities.
Inspection of 78 establishments in Lucknow
In Lucknow, 52 teams inspected 78 food courts and fast food establishments. Here 42 correction notices were issued. Departmental enquiry revealed deficiencies in handling of food items, cleanliness, segregated storage of raw and cooked food and adherence to food safety standards at many places. During the inspection, adequate drainage system and hygiene/sanitary conditions in Subway, Shalimar Gateway, Alambagh were not found satisfactory.
The food business of the establishment was shut down after the situation of Rodent Infestation and Contamination of food items came to light in the premises. The establishment was recommended to be closed due to the presence of Rodent in Goli Vada Pav, Arc Baleno, unhygienic conditions and fungus found in the walls and food items. At the same time, serious deficiencies like fungus in food items in Bikanerwala, Fun Mall, Rodent, Odor, Gravy Contamination and Water Logging were found in the premises. Due to this, the establishment was closed and its license was suspended.
Kitchen plight exposed in Noida
In Noida, 57 teams inspected 71 establishments and issued 42 correction notices. Serious deficiencies related to food safety were found in many establishments. According to the department, some of the kitchens were found to have fungus, presence of rats, dirt, expired non-veg and unhygienic conditions. The investigation has initiated license suspension proceedings against 13 establishments including Moti Mahal Deluxe, Nihau, Punjabi Dhaba-61, Castle Barbecue, Road House, Paddy Hospitality/Rolling Fresh, The Yellow Chili, Ministry of Liquor, Taste of Delhi and ZACA, Eat Club, Absolute Barbecues, Carnival Food Delight and Yellow Chillies Restaurant. These establishments reported deficiencies such as improper storage of food items, concurrent storage of raw and cooked food, dirty utensils, unhygienic kitchens, lack of pest control, expired material and improper storage of food items.
Inspection at 84 establishments in Gorakhpur
In Gorakhpur, 43 teams inspected 84 establishments. There were 79 correction notices issued. The department has clarified that establishments not complying with the prescribed standards will be given time for rectification. If the deficiencies are not rectified within the stipulated period, license suspension, cancellation and other legal action will be taken. The Food Safety Department has directed all food traders to maintain cleanliness, safe storage, valid licenses, quality raw materials and maintenance of food items at prescribed temperatures. The department has said that action against establishments playing with the health of consumers will continue even further. Earlier, black business was revealed in Ghaziabad. The Food Safety Department has seized goods worth lakhs of rupees from the fake pepper manufacturing factory.
