Surat Municipal Corporation’s food safety checks across 80 establishments found hygiene and infrastructure deficiencies at 32 outlets, led to the destruction of 44kg of food deemed unfit for consumption and resulted in fines totalling Rs 1.09 lakh.
Zonal teams from the civic body’s food and sanitation divisions carried out the inspections on Monday to assess hygiene standards and regulatory compliance at food establishments across the city. Officials examined cleanliness, kitchen and storage facilities, food preparation areas, and the quality and sourcing of raw materials.
The inspections also covered the quality of water used for cooking and washing, as well as the health status of food handlers. Establishments were required to show that their workers had undergone health check-ups and were medically fit. Inspectors further reviewed waste segregation and disposal arrangements as part of the sanitation assessment.
Of the 80 establishments inspected, 32 were issued notices for deficiencies related to hygiene and infrastructure. The establishments were directed to take corrective measures on priority, although the civic body’s account did not specify a separate deadline or the individual outlets involved.
Officials collected 25 food samples from different establishments for laboratory testing. The results of those tests were not included in the information released about the inspection drive. The civic body also destroyed 44kg of food that inspectors found unfit for consumption during the checks.
The enforcement action resulted in fines amounting to Rs 1.09 lakh against violators. The inspections indicate that the municipal process extends beyond checking prepared food to examining the systems through which food is stored, prepared, handled and discarded.
As part of the drive, establishments were instructed to introduce arrangements that allow customers to view cooking processes live through video systems. The measure is intended to improve transparency and encourage food businesses to maintain better hygiene practices during preparation.
The inspections place responsibility on both the civic administration and food establishments: the corporation must continue monitoring compliance, while outlets served notices are expected to address the identified deficiencies. Further action will depend on corrective measures and the results of the food samples collected for laboratory testing.
