40 Kolkata eateries, sweet shops lose licences, 1,224 kg rotten food destroyed

Licences of 40 restaurants and sweet shops in Kolkata have been cancelled, and rotten food seized from many establishments during a drive by the Food Department. The department inspected 592 locations on Tuesday and found numerous irregularities, leading to the action. Raids were also conducted in several city malls, Bentinck Street and Salt Lake.Administrator at the Kolkata Municipal Corporation, Smita Pandey, said the inspections were carried out as part of 'Food Safety Week.'advertisement❮❯ Read Full Story"We observed 'Food Safety Week'. The food industry needs to be more responsible. We visited 592 locations on Tuesday and destroyed 1,224 kg of food items; it was an eye-opening experience. Forty licences were suspended. If the suspended establishments comply with regulations, we will review their status. Hygiene is a fundamental requirement; these standards must be met first," Pandey said."Previously, we didn't resort to suspensions, but now we have a free hand to act. With the Puja festival approaching, we want them to provide better service and maintain cleanliness; we believe they will become more cautious. Even a major sweet shop failed to maintain hygiene standards -- cockroaches were found inside their refrigerator," she added. On Sunday, officials raided food courts in several malls in the city and inspected kitchens to assess operational standards. They checked the quality of stored food, verified storage methods and examined how frozen foods were being stored.Simultaneously, raids were conducted at various restaurants in the Bentinck Street area to check food quality, with samples collected from refrigerators. In Salt Lake, too, officials inspected the quality of raw materials and spices used in restaurant kitchens. - Ends