A senior bank manager and his friend filed a police complaint on Monday, alleging that they found “rat meat” in the chicken dish they had ordered at the Pali Naka restaurant on Sunday night. The FDA inspected the premises on Wednesday and found that the restaurant didn’t have the necessary food and water analysis reports. Officials said the restaurant will not be allowed to operate till all compliances have been met and a fresh inspection carried out.
On Thursday, the state government also instructed the FDA to carry out an inspection of restaurants and eateries starting immediately. It said all food safety inspectors (FSOs) will visit five eating joints each within their jurisdiction and check for compliances laid down under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. In cases where suspicions arise, FSO inspectors will also gather samples for testing.
Hygiene is crucial in maintaining public health, especially in food establishments. Strict hygiene norms are vital to prevent contamination, illnesses, and disease transmission. It is therefore imperative that the state has an adequate number of inspectors to check for compliances. With a 57% vacancy in food inspector posts, effective inspection of food establishments would be
Meanwhile, the FDA team that visited Papa Pancho da Dhaba noted a lack of water analysis reports, which should occur twice a year. Additionally, the restaurant failed to provide the annual food safety report as required. Among the 21 staff members, medical records were only available for ten. The restaurant bill lacked the license number, said Shailesh Adhao, FDA joint commissioner. He further revealed that the FDA has obtained fresh food samples from the restaurant, including the same dish (chicken dhaba) that was ordered by the complainants.
The restaurant has maintained that they are FSSAI-compliant and have been in operation for over 22 years. “We have an unblemished record. The incident is a smear campaign by certain individuals. We emphatically deny serving any food item that was unsafe or with any rat as alleged,” said Mamta Sekhri, managing partner. She said they have cooperated with the authorities and subjected their premises to all checks and inspections. “Special attention is being paid to all compliances that may further be required,” she said, pointing out that their license was renewed earlier after all compliances were done.
“Cleanliness and hygiene are not just integral, but remain at the core of the food service industry and restaurants do not compromise on it. This incident is unfortunate, but it is difficult to believe a rat was served. Since a police & FSSAI investigation is underway, assuming anything at this point would be incorrect,” said Pradeep Shetty of the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Western India (HRAWI).
The incident has also trained the spotlight on the gaping vacancy of food safety officers in the state. Mumbai, for instance, has just 13 inspectors to oversee thousands of restaurants against a sanctioned 49. Adhao said the state is in the process of filling up 200 posts across Maharashtra.
