Nagpur: The FDA suspended the licence of a reputed sweet brand at Pachpaoli after a dead rat was found during a surprise inspection. Food safety officer NN Khandare conducted the inspection on July 3 and found the premises in a highly unsatisfactory state.The dead rat was spotted in the area where food products are prepared. The manager claimed the rat fell from the exhaust fan. Shockingly, right beside it, milk was being heated and vessels containing mixture for orange barfi were kept open. Food products were also found exposed.The inspection revealed multiple violations of Schedule 4 of Food Safety and Standards Act. The unit lacked adequate ventilation, sufficient facilities for storing food packaging material, chemicals and employees’ belongings. Proper measures to prevent entry of insects, rodents and other contaminants were absent.Darkness was particularly noted in the room where ‘Mysore Pak’ is prepared, raising fears of insects, and cockroaches contaminating the sweets, sources said. Assistant commissioner issued an order on July 6 suspending licence of Hira Sweets until further orders. The FDA warned that during this period, the company cannot manufacture or sell any food products.
