Hooghly, 01 September (H.S.): Following the Chief Minister’s directive to conduct inspections across districts to ensure compliance with food safety standards, the Hooghly district health department launched an inspection drive in Bhadreshwar on Tuesday.

The inspection was carried out by Food Safety officials of the Hooghly District Health Department, accompanied by officials from the Bhadreshwar Municipality and the police.

The team first inspected the shop and manufacturing unit of a reputed confectionery establishment in the area. During the inspection, officials reportedly found dirty and sticky oil at the manufacturing unit and gave the establishment one week to improve the conditions.

The inspection team subsequently visited a bakery in Bhadreshwar and was reportedly shocked by the conditions inside. Officials found poor food hygiene and sanitation, with flies around the premises and workers preparing food without gloves, head caps or face masks.

The officials also found that eggs were being used in the preparation of biscuits, but this was reportedly not mentioned on the packaging. The bakery was operating a furnace without a fire safety licence, while biscuits, toast and bread were being prepared amid dirt and cobwebs. The use of potentially harmful food colouring was also reportedly detected.

Food Safety officials collected samples of biscuits from the bakery for laboratory testing. The bakery owner was instructed to comply with all prescribed food safety guidelines.

The officials ordered that the bakery remain closed for the time being and made it clear that it would not be allowed to reopen until proper cleaning and necessary safety measures were completed.

The bakery owner assured the officials that all the instructions would be followed. The workers also acknowledged that there were shortcomings in maintaining food safety standards at the facility.

The inspection comes as the state begins its Food Safety Week, following the Chief Minister’s instructions to district administrations to step up inspections and ensure that food establishments comply with prescribed safety and hygiene standards.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey