A food safety inspection at hotels and restaurants near the ISKCON temple in Mayapur, West Bengal, found rotten curd, spoiled flour, expired food and widespread licensing gaps, prompting show-cause notices and at least one immediate closure order.
Food safety and block administration officials conducted the inspection on Friday morning at temporary and permanent food stalls operating along the pavements near the temple. The action covered the hygiene of kitchens, cleanliness of premises and quality of food being prepared and served to visitors.
Officials also checked whether the businesses held valid trade licences and registration or approval from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). According to the report by Anandabazar, several hotel and restaurant owners were unable to produce the required documents during the inspection.
Food safety officials said some kitchens were found in a highly unhygienic condition. Inspectors reportedly found rotten curd, spoiled flour and expired food items after opening refrigerators at some establishments. The businesses were questioned over the preparation and serving of food in conditions that allegedly violated safety requirements.
Several owners gave different explanations during the inspection. Rajkumar Roy, who runs a business that opened about a month ago, said he had not yet received a licence. Rajesh Debnath said he had not considered applying for a separate trade licence because his establishment was small. Jagatpati Das, a tenant operating a restaurant, acknowledged that he knew a trade licence was mandatory but had not treated the requirement as a priority.
The restaurant operated by Das was ordered to shut immediately because it did not have a trade licence. Other establishments received show-cause notices over alleged violations. Officials also instructed businesses with poor food-quality standards to correct the deficiencies quickly.
Food safety officer Disha Hazra said the inspection campaign would continue in Nabadwip and adjoining areas until the 4th. Authorities said businesses without the required licences would face closure directions, while establishments failing to maintain food quality would be required to take corrective action.
