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In Durgapur, West Bengal, the Food Safety Department raided hotels, restaurants and sweet shops in Gopal Math area. Many businessmen were fined and warned after the investigation found cockroaches, stale food and domestic gas cylinders.

Durgapur: Following complaints regarding food quality and hygiene in Durgapur, West Bengal, the Food Safety Department raided several hotels, restaurants and sweet shops in Gopal Math area. Investigation found cockroaches and dirt near food items in sweet warehouses, while stale food and domestic gas cylinders were found in some shops.

Administration took sudden action after complaints

There were complaints from the local people for a long time regarding the quality, cleanliness and alleged adulteration of food items in the area. Taking these complaints seriously, the administration decided to conduct joint inspection and action.

After this, a joint team of Food Safety Department, Durgapur Municipal Corporation and Police Administration suddenly started raiding in Gopal Math area. The sudden arrival of the officials created panic among many shopkeepers and businessmen.

During the action, apart from the shops, the team also inspected the warehouses where sweets and other food items were prepared or stored. The officials also inspected the rules to storage and cleanliness of food items.

Cockroaches and insects found in sweets warehouse

During the raid, the hygiene conditions in the warehouses of some big sweet shops were found to be very poor. Officials found cockroaches and other insects around the food items.

The presence of such dirt and insects near food items raises serious questions about food hygiene. Instead of keeping sweets and other food items in a clean and safe environment, at some places they were kept in areas where there was a risk of infection.

Food safety officials instructed shopkeepers to follow hygiene standards in storage and handling of food items. The administration made it clear that no compromise on the quality of food items will be accepted.

Stale and spoiled food was found in the restaurant

During the investigation, serious irregularities were also revealed in many hotels and restaurants. According to officials, old and spoiled food was found stored at some places.

Stale momos were also found in some establishments. Fears were raised that these food items could have been served to customers. However, the administration team inspected and identified such material in time.

Storing foods for long periods without proper temperature and hygienic conditions can affect their quality. Especially in the case of prepared foods, improper storage can pose a health risk to consumers.

For this reason, food safety officials gave strict instructions to shopkeepers and restaurant operators to follow the rules to quality, storage and sale of prepared food.

Questions on use of domestic gas cylinders also

Domestic LPG cylinders were also found in many shops during the raid. According to the administration, domestic cylinders were being used in some establishments instead of commercial gas cylinders meant for commercial activities.

Gas cylinders are used in commercial establishments subject to safety and regulatory requirements. In such a situation, the administration also took action regarding the alleged use of domestic cylinders.

Officials instructed the concerned businessmen to follow the rules and take care of the safety standards to the use of gas. Along with food safety, the operational arrangements and security arrangements of the establishments were also examined.

On-the-spot fine imposed on many shopkeepers

After finding violations of rules and food safety standards, the administration imposed on-the-spot fine on many shopkeepers. During the action, businessmen and employees were also informed about the rules to cleanliness and maintenance of food items.

The officials gave a clear warning to the shopkeepers that if they are found violating the rules to food quality and hygiene again, more stringent action can be taken against them.

It was also said on behalf of the administration that merely imposing fine is not the objective of the action. Businessmen will have to ensure that food items are provided to customers safely and as per the prescribed standards.

Administration's strict stance regarding food security

This action taken in Durgapur has raised questions regarding adherence to hygiene and food safety standards in establishments to food business. A large number of people eat in sweet shops, hotels and restaurants every day.

In such a situation, the presence of insects, dirt or spoiled food around food items can pose a serious risk to the health of consumers. On this basis, the administration has warned shopkeepers to follow the prescribed standards during production, storage and sale of food items.

Officials said that any compromise with the health of the common people will not be tolerated. Food businesses will have to give priority to cleanliness and safe food handling.

Investigation will continue in other areas also

The administration has indicated that the action will not be limited to only Gopal Math area of ​​Durgapur. In the coming days, food establishments can also be inspected in other areas of the city.

The joint team is likely to continue the investigation of hotels, restaurants, sweet shops and food storage places. The aim of the authorities is to ensure compliance with food safety regulations and protect consumers from unsafe foods.

Warning to businessmen to follow the rules

After the action of the administration, there is a clear message for the businessmen that carelessness in the quality and cleanliness of food items can be costly. Shopkeepers have been asked to keep food items in a safe and clean environment, keep spoiled or stale items away from customers and follow rules to gas use.

After the irregularities revealed during the raid at Gopal Math, the administration is now keeping an eye on other food establishments of the city. If any violation of rules is found in the investigation to be held in the coming days, action can be taken against the concerned businessmen as per rules.

This action has once again brought to the fore the issue of how important regular hygiene inspections and adherence to food safety rules in food establishments are to protect the health of consumers.