The seized oil stock
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar : Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has intensified its ‘Safe Food, Safe Maharashtra’ drive in Marathwada, suspending the licences of four food establishments, including two outlets of a multinational pizza chain, and seizing over 9 tonnes of suspected unsafe food products worth over Rs 15 lakh. The first action was taken on Oct 14 at a pizza outlet in Yeldarkar Colony, Parbhani, where FDA inspectors found multiple food safety violations.
Rotten frozen capsicum packets, an expired vinegar bottle and improper cold storage practices were also detected,” an FDA official said. “Mandatory calorie information and consumer grievance mechanisms were also absent, prompting suspension of the outlet’s licence,” the official said. FDA joint commissioner Shrikaant Karkale said, “The campaign against food safety violations will continue.
“Vegetarian and non-vegetarian pizzas were being baked on the same screen, with no segregation at the preparation table, raising concerns over cross-contamination. Food inspectors also found no records on cooking oil testing and reuse, open drains, uncovered garbage bins near food preparation areas, poor sanitation, lack of handwashing facilities and inadequate protective gear for staff. Authorities found vegetarian and non-vegetarian pizzas were being prepared using the same oven and pans. Other violations included inadequate hot and cold storage facilities, unhygienic delivery boxes, absence of oil quality checks, delayed garbage disposal and waterlogging in food-handling areas. Its licence was also suspended. Food business operators are requested to strictly comply with FSSAI norms.”