Overview

The food safety department in Gurgaon has filed formal complaints against three food outlets after their samples tested unsafe. The cases have been lodged with the chief judicial magistrate’s court, marking the start of criminal proceedings against the establishments.

The outlets under scrutiny include the KFC outlet in Sector 71, Burger Hut at a mall in Subhash Chowk, and M/S TTB Foods at Tamil Bhawana 368, HUDA Market, Sector 7. Despite repeated attempts, representatives of the three businesses did not respond to requests for comment. Officials explained that statutory waiting periods expired without any appeal or clarification from the businesses, prompting legal action.

KFC Sector 71: Fungal Contamination in Paratha

The first complaint dates back to December 23, 2024, when Food Safety Officer (FSO) Ramesh Chauhan collected approximately 4kg of lacha paratha from the KFC outlet. Laboratory analysis at the district food lab in Karnal confirmed fungal contamination, rendering the food unsafe for consumption.

The food safety department issued the analysis report and informed the outlet of its right to appeal, but received no response. Subsequently, the designated officer sought and obtained prosecution sanction from the Commissioner of Food and Drugs Administration, Panchkula, under Section 30(2)(e). Officials allege that the outlet continued to sell the contaminated food, violating Section 26(2)(i) and drawing prosecution under Section 59(1).

Burger Hut: Unsafe and Substandard Burger Buns

In the second case, FSO Chauhan collected 1,600 grams of burger buns from Burger Hut on January 31, 2025. Laboratory tests confirmed the buns were unsafe and substandard. Besides fungal contamination, the buns contained 1.21% ash insoluble in dilute HCl, over six times the permissible limit for bread under FSS regulations—indicating adulteration or contamination.

With no appeal submitted, officials recommended prosecution under Sections 26(2)(i) and 26(2)(ii), along with sanctions under Sections 59(1) and 51.

M/S TTB Foods: Insect Contamination in Rice

The third complaint involves M/S TTB Foods. On July 14, 2025, FSO Chauhan collected a 1,600-gram rice sample from a stock of 10kg. Laboratory examination on July 21 detected two dead insects, and the analysis report dated August 1 declared the rice unsafe for consumption.

With the complaints now formally filed, all three outlets face criminal proceedings. The cases highlight ongoing concerns about food safety compliance and underscore the importance of timely responses from food businesses when unsafe products are detected.

Source: The Times of India