Newz Desk, Durgapur: A special food safety and civic enforcement drive was conducted across Durgapur and adjoining areas on Tuesday, with authorities inspecting hotels, restaurants, sweet shops and other food establishments for violations of food safety and hygiene norms.
Durgapur Sub-Divisional Task Force for enforcement of food safety regulations carried out inspections in the Andal block on September 1. A total of six establishments were inspected, including two biryani outlets, one sweet shop, one dhaba and two air-conditioned restaurants.
Following the inspections, notices were served to all six establishments for alleged violations of food safety rules and standards. The violations reportedly included operating without a valid FSSAI licence, poor hygiene conditions, use of adulterated or industrial-grade ingredients, use of products without proper labelling and use of products without expiry dates being mentioned.
Meanwhile, the Durgapur Municipal Corporation (DMC) conducted a separate inspection drive covering nine hotels, restaurants and food shops in the city. The civic authorities imposed spot fines totalling ₹15,400 during the drive. A fine of ₹200 each was imposed on seven establishments for using banned plastic, resulting in a total penalty of ₹1,400. Another ₹14,000 was collected in fines for maintaining unhygienic conditions at food establishments.
Earlier in the day, the District Magistrate Ponnambalam S scheduled to participate in the food safety inspection programme in Durgapur. He was also scheduled to flag off a tableau aimed at creating awareness among consumers about their rights and consumer-related issues. The programme was scheduled to be held at the Durgapur City Centre Bus Stand at 11.30 am.
The enforcement action comes as the administration steps up checks on food safety, hygiene and compliance among eateries and food businesses in Durgapur and its surrounding areas.
Officials said such inspections are intended to ensure compliance with food safety regulations and encourage food business operators to maintain proper hygiene, licensing, labelling and quality standards. Further inspections are expected to continue across the area.
