Key Update

Food safety officials in Kolkata ordered the closure of Haldiram’s restaurant on VIP Road for two days after finding serious hygiene violations. During the inspection, officials discovered cockroaches and flies beneath food counter shelves and tables, including areas where the restaurant stored cooked food. The restaurant is located a few kilometres from the airport and shares its premises with a Haldiram’s retail outlet selling sweets and savouries. Inspectors found that the adjoining retail outlet complied with food safety standards prescribed by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).

Corrective Measures Ordered

Officials directed the restaurant’s management to carry out thorough cleaning and pest control before reopening. The operators agreed to suspend operations for two days to complete the work. The food safety department will conduct a fresh inspection before allowing the restaurant to resume operations. Inspectors also instructed the management to install equipment to monitor the quality of cooking oil used for frying. Since the restaurant serves several fried items, regular oil quality checks form an important part of its food safety measures.

The temporary closure comes ahead of Diwali, when food outlets typically experience increased customer footfall. The management opted to shut the restaurant to allow effective pest control without disrupting the process by continuing operations.

Food Safety Inspections Across Kolkata

Meanwhile, West Bengal’s food safety officials have intensified inspections across Salt Lake, New Town and nearby urban areas. During a recent inspection, officials closed a popular dhaba opposite City Centre in Salt Lake after finding unhygienic food preparation conditions, including mould-covered meat stored in refrigerators. They also ordered a prominent nearby sweet shop to close for two days after discovering expired food products. In September, the department cancelled the licences of 40 restaurants and sweet shops in Kolkata and seized rotten food from several establishments during raids. These actions highlight ongoing concerns about hygiene and food safety compliance across the city.

Source: NDTV