Five challaned, substandard food discarded as crackdown on fast food joints intensifies

Swinging into action after videos of street food being prepared in unhygienic conditions went viral on social media, food safety teams have launched a crackdown on vendors selling fast food like momos, noodles, spring rolls among others.

However, there is no official word yet on the “severed head of an animal” said to have been found in the refrigerator of the sealed house.

The food safety teams have taken 15 samples and issued five challans in the last three days.

Deputy Commissioner (DC) Komal Mittal said in view of the recovery of rotten veggies and the prevailing unclean conditions of kitchens at vendors preparing Chinese fast food in Mataur area, the teams were asked to keep intensify checking to crack down on any violations.

During the inspections, about 40 kg of rotten veggies, stale noodles and sub-standard quality of sauces were destroyed.

“The teams have been directed to check the transportation of chicken, milk and other eatables items too by laying checkposts at random places,” the DC said.

District Health Officer Dr Amrit Warring, while giving the details of inspections carried out in recent days, added that samples were collected four eateries visited by the teams in Kharar area. Similarly, in Mataur area, three samples of momos and other items were taken while two challans were issued on finding unhygienic conditions.

In Zirakpur area, three samples were taken from eateries at night. Besides, the vehicles transporting chicken to the city were also inspected.

Today, three more samples of momos and spring rolls were taken from Kurali area and challans were served upon two food vendors for unhygienic conditions. Apart from that, 7 kg of rotten veggies and 5 kg of stale noodles were also destroyed on the spot.