The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has seized around 500 kg of fish and meat stored in unhygienic conditions at Big Boss, a popular Chinese restaurant in Tangra, ahead of the festive season, officials said on Wednesday.
Fish, meat found stored without labels
During the inspection, the civic team found large quantities of fish and meat stored inside refrigerators without proper labels or dates indicating when the food had been kept there, officials said.
The food items were allegedly kept in an unhygienic and open environment inside the refrigerators, raising concerns over food safety. Considering the potential health risks, particularly during the festive season when restaurants witness a surge in customers, the seized stock was sent for disposal, officials said.
Statewide inspections target food safety violations
The inspection was part of a wider food safety drive being conducted by the state Food and Supplies Department in coordination with civic authorities to check the quality and hygiene standards maintained by hotels, restaurants, and other eateries.
The inspections have been intensified following directions from the state government to take strict action against establishments found violating food safety and hygiene norms.
Stale meat recovered during North 24-Parganas raids
On Tuesday, raids at several restaurants in Baduria and Madhyamgram in North 24 Parganas reportedly resulted in the recovery of stale and allegedly rotten meat.
Similar inspections have also been carried out in areas including Salt Lake, Shaktigarh and Digha, officials said.
Resort inspections uncover expired food items
In north Bengal, authorities conducted surprise inspections at several resorts in Lataguri near Gorumara National Park on Wednesday.
A team led by the Sub-Divisional Officer inspected kitchens and food storage areas at several resorts and found expired and allegedly spoiled food items at some establishments.
Three resorts were issued warnings over violations, officials said.
Bhadreswar bakery shut over hygiene violations
In Hooghly district, a bakery in Bhadreswar was ordered shut after officials found serious hygiene violations during an inspection.
The bakery was allegedly operating in an unhygienic environment, with flies found around the area where bread was being prepared. Workers were also found without gloves, while dirt and grime had accumulated on the walls and ceiling, officials said.
The authorities directed the bakery management to undertake thorough cleaning before allowing it to resume operations.
Sweet shop unit also faces inspection
A popular sweet shop and its manufacturing unit in the area were also inspected, with officials reportedly finding several hygiene-related irregularities. Officials said establishments found violating food safety norms would face action and that the campaign would continue across the state.
The seizure of large quantities of allegedly stale food has also revived memories of a meat scandal several years ago, when meat reportedly sourced from dumping grounds was supplied to eateries and markets.
