Food Safety Department officials in Ferozepur have issued challans to two food preparation units after finding serious hygiene lapses during complaint-driven inspections. Samples of a food item have been sent to a laboratory, and legal action is underway against both establishments.
What inspectors found at the first kitchen
During a surprise inspection of Bhasin Palace Kitchen, prompted by a complaint, Food Safety Officer Abhinav Khosla said officials found considerable dirt and unhygienic conditions. Vegetarian and non-vegetarian food items were stored together, and liquor pegs were kept in the same place where food was being prepared and stored. Inspectors also found green and red colours on the premises, which they said were used to make vegetables look more appealing. A sample of cheese chilli was collected and sent to a food laboratory for testing, and a challan was issued for deficiencies in cleanliness and sanitary conditions under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
Concerns at a unit preparing food for weddings
A separate inspection examined a unit that prepares bhaaji, traditional cooked food distributed to relatives and guests at weddings and other social functions across the city. Officials described the conditions as filthy and unhygienic, a serious concern given that food there is prepared in large quantities. Inspectors also noticed the use of tobacco, bidis and cigarettes at the preparation site, which the department called a serious and unacceptable lapse. Legal action has been started against this unit, and a challan is also being issued for the unhygienic conditions.
What the rules require and what comes next
Officials stressed that cleanliness, proper food handling, separate storage of vegetarian and non-vegetarian items, and the use of only permitted food colours are mandatory for all food establishments. The department has warned restaurant owners, hotel operators, caterers, halwais and other food preparation units not to compromise on hygiene. Inspections will continue, and officials say strict action will follow for violators. The laboratory result on the cheese chilli sample has not been reported in the supplied information, so whether that sample met food safety standards remains unconfirmed.