KMC slaps 13 lakh fine on various eateries for violating safety standards

Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has imposed a total fine of ₹13.63 lakh on several restaurants, fast food outlets, and food stalls for violations of food safety standards. This follows an extensive campaign conducted by the KMC’s Food Safety Division, which is tasked with ensuring the quality, hygiene, and safety of food prepared and sold in the city. Regular inspections are carried out to ensure that food establishments comply with the prescribed health regulations.

Between April 1 and December 25, 2024, the Food Safety Division tested over 4,000 food samples across Kolkata. Out of these, 165 samples were found to be unfit for consumption due to factors such as the use of expired or stale ingredients, old meat, and substandard spices. The majority of the violations were identified in food sold at restaurants and food stalls, with some found to be prepared in unhygienic conditions, which posed potential health risks.

A significant portion of the violations occurred in eateries located near SSKM Hospital, a major medical facility in the city. These food stalls cater to a large number of patients and their families, many of whom come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Due to this high footfall, food safety violations in these areas raised concerns about public health. In response, KMC collected multiple food samples from the area for testing, uncovering unhealthy food practices at these outlets.

In total, nearly 900 samples were collected from various food outlets in the city. Of these, 67 samples were found to contain adulterants or contaminants. These included the use of harmful additives and poor-quality ingredients. As a result, legal cases were initiated against the businesses responsible for these violations. A total of 64 cases were filed, and the businesses involved were fined for violating health regulations. The total fines imposed amounted to ₹13,63,000, reflecting the seriousness with which KMC has approached food safety violations.

KMC’s Food Safety Division operates through 16 teams, one for each of the city’s boroughs. These teams conduct regular inspections of food establishments, collecting samples, monitoring food preparation practices, and ensuring hygiene standards are followed. The teams also test for food adulteration and contamination, maintaining a close watch on restaurants, food stalls, and other outlets. KMC has emphasized that these ongoing inspections are vital for maintaining public health safety and ensuring that the food sold in the city adheres to the required quality and hygiene standards.