Key Update

Authorities in Uttar Pradesh shut down an illegal momos and chutney manufacturing unit in Naubasta, Kanpur, after uncovering serious food safety violations. During a recent inspection, Food Safety Department officials found the unit operating in extremely unhygienic conditions, raising significant concerns about public health.

Acting swiftly, officials ordered the immediate closure of the facility and supervised the destruction of 20 kg of unsafe momos and 20 litres of artificially coloured chutney, both deemed unfit for consumption. They also collected food samples during the raid and sent them to the State Food Laboratory for further analysis, while issuing a formal improvement notice to the operators under food safety regulations.

FSSAI Shares Evidence, Similar Cases Raise Alarm

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India shared details of the action on April 26, 2026, along with a video from the site that highlighted the poor hygiene standards. The footage showed raw momos placed directly on the floor, exposed to flies, and ingredients emitting a foul smell, pointing to unsafe food handling practices.

Officials emphasised that this is not an isolated incident. Earlier this month, food safety teams seized nearly 200 litres of suspected chemically prepared sauce from a house in Hapur near Meerut. In another case reported in March, at least 10 people fell ill in Dadri after reportedly consuming contaminated momos. These incidents underline the need for stricter enforcement and greater awareness to ensure safe food practices and protect public health.

Source: NDTV