Restaurants found violating food safety norms in Visakhapatnam

Visakhapatnam: In yet another raid carried out by the Regional Vigilance and Enforcement Department and Food Safety Department, about eight restaurants in urban and rural areas of the district were found violating food safety norms.

During surprise checks made by the officials, they found out that stale and leftover cooked chicken joints, mutton pieces, prawns and fish, among other stuff were stored in refrigerators and freezers waiting to be served to customers on Monday.

In another restaurant, the officials found worms in cauliflower curry and noticed that the restaurateurs continue to use domestic gas cylinders for commercial purpose. In a take-away counter at Alluri Seetharama Raju statue, Seethammadhara, non-permitted food colours were used to prepare items and chicken legs were stuck inside the freezers at the centralised kitchen for a long time.

In Narsipatnam, officials noticed eggs with stamp meant for Anganwadi centres. ICDS officials were roped in to investigate the violation further. In some restaurants, food safety licences were expired and notices were issued in this regard to the respective restaurant owners. About eight food samples were collected and sent for analysis. Cases were booked by the Food Safety Department under appropriate sections of the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006.

Deputy Superintendent of Police and In-Charge Regional Vigilance and Enforcement Officer K Sravani, Vigilance Department officials, including Inspectors of Police R Mallikarjuna Rao and N Srinivasa Rao, among others were part of the team that conducted surprise checks at various restaurants.