West Bengal, 02 September (H.S.): The Food Safety Department has intensified inspections across various areas of the district as part of Food Safety Week, following directions from the Chief Minister. As part of the drive, Food Safety officials and Enforcement Branch (EB) officials conducted a joint inspection in Rishra on Wednesday along with personnel from Rishra Police Station.

The officials inspected a prominent biryani outlet located along G.T. Road. During the inspection, they objected to freshly prepared biryani being kept in a vessel in the open by the roadside. On opening the vessel, officials reportedly found a dirty cloth inside, while some flour placed on top of the vessel was also found to have fallen into the biryani.

Officials also noticed a yellow colour being used in the biryani. When questioned, the shop operator produced a packet of the colour. According to the officials, the product appeared to be an industrial dye used for colouring clothes rather than a food-grade colour. The actual nature of the substance will be confirmed only after the test report is received.

In another part of the shop, peeled garlic was reportedly found stored for several days without proper hygienic arrangements. The officials warned the operator over the handling and storage of food items and overall cleanliness.

During the inspection, the shop's food licence was also found to have expired. Officials also noted issues related to food preparation in an unhygienic environment and the use of colouring agents.

The Food Safety Department collected samples of various food items from the shop and sent them for laboratory testing. The officials directed the owner to keep the establishment closed until a valid food licence is obtained and the required hygienic facilities are put in place.

The shop owner assured the officials that all food safety rules would be followed while operating the establishment in the future.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey