KMC Food Inspectors Out on ‘Sampling’ Drive at Eateries Ahead of Festive Season

Introduction

As the festive season approaches, Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has initiated a city-wide food safety inspection drive to curb food adulteration in eateries. Led by Deputy Mayor Atin Ghosh, a team of food inspectors visited restaurants at South City Mall, collecting samples of spices and cooked food. The samples have been sent to the KMC laboratory for testing to ensure that food meets the standards set by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).

Food Safety Inspections: Focus on Spices, Oil, and Hygiene

The KMC team, during their inspection, took samples of commonly used ingredients such as spices and cooking oils. According to officials, while high-end restaurants generally maintained proper hygiene standards, some mid-range eateries and roadside food stalls were found using adulterated spices and subpar cooking oil. The inspections aim to ensure that no harmful additives, such as artificial food colorants or toxic ingredients, are present in the food served to the public.“The goal is to ensure that ingredients being used conform to FSSAI regulations,” said an official. Over the next few days, KMC will inspect restaurants across different parts of the city, including popular areas like South City, Shyambazar-Hatibagan, Sealdah, College Street, and Park Circus. Special attention will also be given to street vendors and food stalls near festive pandals, where food safety can often be compromised.

Areas Covered in the Food Inspection Drive

The drive is set to cover major food hubs, including:

• South City Mall
• Shyambazar-Hatibagan
• Sealdah
• College Street
• Bhowanipore
• Kidderpore
• Deshapriya Park
• Gariahat
• Park Circus
• Behala
• Tollygunge

Food inspectors will visit these areas over the next few days to test food samples for adulteration and hygiene compliance.

Ensuring Public Health and Safety During Festivities

Festivals in Kolkata are synonymous with food, and ensuring its safety is critical to public health. KMC’s drive comes at a time when there is increased consumption, and the risk of food adulteration often rises. Inspections will focus on checking for the use of substandard ingredients and non-compliance with hygiene norms at eateries and food stalls across the city.In a previous round of inspections, the quality of cooking oil used at neighborhood food stalls was found to be below standards. This drive will be crucial in holding eateries accountable and ensuring that safe and hygienic food is served to the public during the festive season.

Conclusion

KMC’s food inspection drive is a proactive step towards safeguarding public health by checking for food adulteration during the festive season. By focusing on key areas across the city, the team aims to enforce FSSAI guidelines and maintain the quality of food being served in both high-end restaurants and local food stalls. As the drive continues, Kolkata residents can expect safer and healthier food options during their celebrations.

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