Kolkata Food Safety Crackdown Puts 40 Eateries Under Action Before Durga Puja The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has suspended the food licences of 40 restaurants, eateries and sweet shops after a city-wide hygiene inspection drive. The action followed inspections that uncovered rotten and stale food, fungal contamination, insects, rats and other food-safety violations. Popular names including Nizam’s, Karim’s, Shimla Biryani and outlets of Arsalan were among establishments facing action. Officials also found concerns over unsuitable food colours, expired ingredients and poor kitchen conditions. The crackdown comes ahead of the Durga Puja festive season, when food businesses are expected to handle a major increase in customers.Why Did KMC Suspend 40 Eateries?The action was taken after food-safety teams inspected restaurants, eateries, sweet shops, food courts, markets and other establishments across Kolkata. KMC Administrator Smita Pandey said hygiene was the main focus of the inspection campaign and described some findings as alarming. The suspended establishments have been asked to address the violations and submit compliance-related clarifications before their licences can be restored.Nizam’s near the KMC headquarters faced licence suspension.Karim’s on Ripon Street was among the establishments named.Inspections found rotten or stale food at several locations.Rats, cockroaches and other pests were reported in storage or kitchen areas.Some food samples reportedly showed unsuitable colours and fungal contamination.Major Hygiene Problems FoundThe inspection drive was conducted during Food Safety Week from September 1 to 7. KMC and state health officials examined food businesses across different parts of the city, including markets, malls, restaurants and sweet shops. Reports said some kitchens had poor sanitation, while ingredients were allegedly stored beyond their expiry dates.The drive also highlighted concerns in sweet shops, with officials reporting poor hygiene and, in one case, cockroaches inside a refrigerator. Authorities also examined the quality and storage of raw materials, spices, frozen food, meat and seafood. The findings have increased attention on restaurant inspections Kolkata as the festive season approaches.Also Read: Tukaram Mundhe: Why Maharashtra’s ‘Water Man’ Became Food Safety WatchdogLatest Update Before Durga PujaKMC said the 40 suspensions followed a wider inspection programme covering hundreds of food-related establishments. India Today reported that 592 locations were inspected and 1,224 kg of non-conforming food was destroyed during the campaign. KMC also issued notices to other establishments, showing that the enforcement action extends beyond the 40 businesses whose licences were suspended.Key HighlightsKMC suspended licences of 40 food establishments.Nizam’s and Karim’s were among the well-known names facing action.Rotten, stale and contaminated food was found during inspections.Pests, including rats and cockroaches, were reported at some premises.Around 1,224 kg of non-conforming food was destroyed during the drive.The action is particularly significant ahead of Durga Puja and the expected rise in food consumption.Food Safety Checks IntensifyThe Kolkata food safety crackdown highlights the importance of hygiene, safe storage and proper food handling at restaurants and sweet shops. KMC officials have indicated that establishments facing suspension must correct violations and provide compliance reports before further action is reconsidered. With Durga Puja approaching, restaurant inspections are likely to remain important for protecting consumers and maintaining food safety standards across the city.Disclaimer: This article is provided for knowledge and news-information purposes only and is based on publicly reported findings from the authorities and reliable news reports.
