Kolkata’s food scene is facing heightened scrutiny as the Kolkata Municipal Corporation steps up its food safety crackdown ahead of the festive season.

During a week-long enforcement drive, officials inspected nearly 600 food establishments and temporarily suspended the food licences of around 40 restaurants, eateries and sweet shops over alleged food safety and hygiene violations.

Inspectors reportedly found cockroaches inside refrigerators and storage areas, rats, rotten meat, fungal food and other non-conforming food items. Officials said 1,024 kilograms of food was destroyed during the drive, while 161 samples were collected for further examination.

Several well-known establishments have faced action, prompting mixed reactions from residents and businesses. While many Kolkata residents welcomed the crackdown and said public health must come first, some establishments have disputed or responded to the allegations.

The enforcement drive comes ahead of the festive rush, when restaurants and sweet shops typically see a sharp rise in customers.

Kolkata Food Safety Crackdown | 40 Restaurants & Sweet Shops Face Action

India's food safety system is facing intense scrutiny as recent inspections uncover expired food, poor hygiene, pest infestations, spoiled products and labeling violations across restaurants, hotels, dairy manufacturers and quick-commerce warehouses.

Authorities in Karnataka reportedly found expired meat, mushrooms and other perishable items at hotels in Mysuru and Mangaluru, while a KFC outlet in Mangaluru was sealed following a complaint involving spoiled chicken. Uttar Pradesh has also moved against products being sold as dairy items without meeting prescribed food safety standards.

In Maharashtra, food safety authorities suspended permits at 12 warehouses operated by major grocery and quick-commerce companies after inspections reportedly found cockroach infestations and other unhygienic conditions. Meanwhile, a CAG audit highlighted questions over penalties that were not levied by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) in cases involving mandatory returns.

India's Food Safety Crisis: Expired Food, Pests & Hygiene Violations Exposed | Watch 

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Kolkata Food Safety Crackdown | 40 Restaurants & Sweet Shops Face Action

India's Food Safety Crisis: Expired Food, Pests & Hygiene Violations Exposed | Watch