Food safety officials in Coimbatore conducted surprise checks at pani puri stalls and fast food joints over three days. They seized unhygienic mushrooms, excessively colored chilli chicken, and other items, issuing notices to 42 shops.
Coimbatore: The Tamil Nadu food safety and drug administration department officials conducted surprise inspections at pani puri stalls and fast food joints across Coimbatore district over a three-day period. The checks were aimed at assessing hygiene and sanitary conditions in these establishments.
Designated officer K Tamilselvan formed 10 special teams to inspect food stalls in various areas including VOC Park, Gandhi Park, RS Puram, Peelamedu, SITRA, Singanallur, Ganapathy, Sai Baba Colony, Saravanampatti, Vadavalli, Town Hall, Ramanathapuram, Ukkadam, Sundarapuram, Kuniamuthur, Kinathkkadavu, Thondamuthur, Madukkarai, Pollachi, Valparai, Mettuppalayam, Annaur, Thudialur, and Periyanaickenpalayam.
During the inspections, a total of 199 shops were checked, resulting in notices being issued to 42 establishments. The officials collected four food samples and imposed fines totaling Rs. 36,000 on 18 shops for using banned plastics on their premises.
The inspection teams seized 83 litres of pani, 62 kg of puri with excessive coloring, 34.50 kg of unhygienic mushrooms, and 72 kg of potato masala. Tamilselvan stated, "The seized items are worth Rs 38,700. We have also seized and destroyed 28 kg of chilli chicken with excessive coloring."
He further added, "We have taken samples from the shops. Based on the results of the samples, we will take further action against the shop owners." The sellers were instructed to use only high-quality ingredients and avoid adding artificial flavors to the pani. They were also advised to maintain hygienic practices while preparing and serving pani puri.
Tamilselvan urged the public to report any instances of unhygienic food items being sold. Complaints can be sent via WhatsApp to 9444042322. Additionally, citizens can download the TN Food Safety Consumer app from the Google Play Store to file their complaints.
Designated officer K Tamilselvan formed 10 special teams to inspect food stalls in various areas including VOC Park, Gandhi Park, RS Puram, Peelamedu, SITRA, Singanallur, Ganapathy, Sai Baba Colony, Saravanampatti, Vadavalli, Town Hall, Ramanathapuram, Ukkadam, Sundarapuram, Kuniamuthur, Kinathkkadavu, Thondamuthur, Madukkarai, Pollachi, Valparai, Mettuppalayam, Annaur, Thudialur, and Periyanaickenpalayam.
During the inspections, a total of 199 shops were checked, resulting in notices being issued to 42 establishments. The officials collected four food samples and imposed fines totaling Rs. 36,000 on 18 shops for using banned plastics on their premises.
The inspection teams seized 83 litres of pani, 62 kg of puri with excessive coloring, 34.50 kg of unhygienic mushrooms, and 72 kg of potato masala. Tamilselvan stated, "The seized items are worth Rs 38,700. We have also seized and destroyed 28 kg of chilli chicken with excessive coloring."
He further added, "We have taken samples from the shops. Based on the results of the samples, we will take further action against the shop owners." The sellers were instructed to use only high-quality ingredients and avoid adding artificial flavors to the pani. They were also advised to maintain hygienic practices while preparing and serving pani puri.
Tamilselvan urged the public to report any instances of unhygienic food items being sold. Complaints can be sent via WhatsApp to 9444042322. Additionally, citizens can download the TN Food Safety Consumer app from the Google Play Store to file their complaints.