Siliguri, 23rd May: The Food Safety Department launched an intensive inspection campaign across Siliguri on Friday, targeting eateries from established restaurants to street food vendors. The campaign began near Meghdoot Cinema Hall on Hill Cart Road, where officials scrutinized the cleanliness and quality of food served to the public.
Accompanied by personnel from various allied departments, the team checked hygiene standards at roadside food carts and restaurant kitchens. Shopkeepers were instructed not to keep food exposed and to avoid using expired ingredients. Staff at hotels and restaurants were advised to maintain hygiene, including wearing head caps and gloves during food preparation.
A notable highlight of the operation was the inspection of a well-known international restaurant outlet on Hill Cart Road. Items stored inside the premises were thoroughly examined by the officials.
The team then proceeded to a hotel at Venus More, where they discovered the absence of a fire NOC and a valid FSSAI license. The hotel owner was directed to complete all necessary documentation within seven days.
Further irregularities were found at a reputed dry fruit shop on Hill Cart Road. Packets were being sold without proper manufacturing and expiry date labels. These items were confiscated by the Food Safety Department, and the shop owner was instructed to obtain the required license within a week and appear before the department.
ACP Farooq MD Chowdhury of the Enforcement Branch stated that the campaign aimed to ensure food quality and safety. “Numerous violations were detected across food outlets. We have issued warnings, and if the guidelines are not followed within the stipulated time, strict action will be taken,” he said.
Fire Department officer Ranveer Chowdhury added that many establishments had failed to renew or even obtain fire safety licenses. He urged business owners to rectify this immediately.
Food Safety Department official Pankaj Kumar confirmed that only warnings were issued during this drive. “If negligence continues, stringent action will follow under the Food Safety Act,” he warned.