Times News NetworkKanpur: Food safety and drug administration teams on Monday carried out a special inspection drive against fast-food chains and restaurants in Kanpur Nagar, Agra, Ghaziabad, Prayagraj and Varanasi under the “Shuddh Hi Shubh Hai” campaign.More than 180 food establishments were inspected across the five districts and over 110 improvement notices were issued for serious violations of food safety and hygiene norms. Operations at 12 establishments and a food court were also stopped and their licences suspended following detection of serious violations.The department said establishments found with serious deficiencies will not be allowed to resume operations until the shortcomings are rectified.In Kanpur Nagar, 38 teams inspected 52 units, 21 teams covered 38 units in Agra, while 36 teams inspected 80 units in Ghaziabad, 15 teams covered 30 units in Prayagraj and 20 teams inspected 40 units in Varanasi.Serious violations were detected at several establishments in Kanpur. At the food court in Rave Moti Mall, officials found extremely poor hygiene, excessive filth, damaged walls and food items kept directly on the floor. The department ordered closure of all 10 establishments operating from the food court until the deficiencies are rectified.The department recommended suspension of the licence of a restaurant at Sapphire Mall after detecting insect infestation, expired sauces and dressings, use of common utensils for vegetarian and non-vegetarian food items and poor-quality cheese. In Swaroop Nagar, proprietary food products were found without manufacturing and expiry dates and details of ingredients. The department recommended suspension of operations until the deficiencies were rectified.At a shop in Square Mall, the officials found choked drains, poor hygiene and use of the same utensils for vegetarian and non-vegetarian food. Suspension of operations was recommended until the shortcomings are removed.Officials said inspection and enforcement action would continue across all five districts.
