Sending a stern message that there will be no compromise with public health, the administration on Wednesday conducted a special joint inspection drive across Udaipur subdivision in Gomati district.
Officials from the Health Department and the Legal Metrology Department jointly carried out surprise inspections at several sweet shops and hotels to check whether food safety regulations were being followed, the quality of food products was being maintained and proper hygiene was being observed during food preparation and storage.
The drive, led by District Health Officer Dr Shubhendu Debbarma, covered several establishments in Udaipur town, including those in Central Road and Brahmabari areas.
During the inspections, officials checked kitchens, food preparation areas, storage facilities, refrigerators and the raw materials being used. They also examined whether prescribed hygiene standards were being followed in the storage and serving of food.
According to administrative sources, several establishments, including a sweet shop and a hotel in the Central Road area, were inspected on Wednesday. Initial inspections reportedly found violations of food safety norms at some establishments.
Officials found that food items were allegedly being prepared and stored in unhygienic conditions at some sweet shops. Sweets, chhana, curd and other food items stored in unhygienic conditions were recovered from refrigerators at some establishments and seized.
Officials also detected unclean conditions in kitchens and food preparation areas, old food items that had reportedly been stored for a long period and violations of prescribed food storage norms. Allegations regarding the use of substandard or potentially harmful spices were also raised during the inspections.
The officials warned food business operators against any negligence regarding the quality of food products and made it clear that compliance with government guidelines and food safety regulations is mandatory.
District Health Officer Dr Shubhendu Debbarma said public health and human life remain the administration’s highest priority. He said food business operators must conduct their businesses in accordance with prescribed rules.
“Those who follow the rules will always receive the administration’s support. However, violations of food safety regulations will not be tolerated,” he said.
Dr Debbarma further said that a total fine of Rs 50,000 had already been imposed on sweet shop and hotel operators where irregularities were detected during the drive.
He said similar inspections would continue in different areas of Udaipur subdivision in the coming days. Necessary legal action would be taken against establishments found operating in violation of food safety regulations, he added.
The administrative drive has reportedly increased awareness among food business operators while also providing reassurance to members of the public. With demand for sweets and prepared food items increasing during the festive season, local residents have urged the administration to intensify monitoring of food quality.
Residents said regular inspections should be conducted not only during the festive season but throughout the year at sweet shops, hotels and other food establishments. They said continuous monitoring could help curb the use of adulterated or substandard food products and prevent food from being prepared in unhygienic conditions.
They expressed hope that continued enforcement drives would further strengthen public health and food safety in the region.