Indore’s Food Fame Gets A Bitter Bite As 20% of Samples Fail Test

Indore (Madhya Pradesh): Dubbed the “culinary hub” of Madhya Pradesh, Indore’s image has taken a beating following recent incidents involving premier institutions, from schools to hotels, failing to maintain acceptable standards of cooking materials and hygiene.

Recent raids on establishments dealing in meals and other edible items have sent ripples through the foodie capital. Indore has even been mentioned in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s speeches for its popular fast-food offerings at Sarafa and Chhappan Dukan.

Food safety violations found at renowned hotels and schools have raised concerns among officials. Shortcomings were found during inspections of Hotel Signature and Bhavans Prominent International School. Officials said violations are no longer limited to roadside eateries and restaurants but are also being found at premium hotels and well-known schools.

Senior Food Officer Manish Swami said more than 3600 food samples were collected in Indore last year, of which around 15% failed laboratory tests. From July 20 to Aug 20 this year, the Food Safety Department conducted a special campaign across the city. More than 25,000 kg of ghee and around 15,000 kg of paneer and other milk products were checked and sampled. Around 20% of samples tested during the campaign failed.

10 food samples found unsafe

Swami said more than 10 samples were found unsafe for human consumption due to suspected adulteration with harmful substances.

Lapses found in Shishukunj School’s kitchen

The administration earlier took action at Shishukunj International School after complaints that some children fell ill after eating food there. Officials found food being prepared in unhygienic conditions in the school mess, following which it was sealed. It was recently allowed to reopen subject to certain conditions.

Hotels under scanner

A few years ago, food safety officials took action at the Radisson Hotel in Indore, where serious shortcomings, including rotten potatoes and unhygienic food preparation, were found. The latest findings at Sayaji Hotel have once again brought food safety standards at major hotels into focus.

Residents seek regular checks

Neti Upadhyay, an officer with a reputed paint company, said, “People have become more aware of food safety, but the most shocking thing is that if such irregularities are found in such a big hotel, then whom will people trust?”

Businessman Mayank Tiwari said the administration should conduct regular inspections of hotels, dhabas and other food establishments. Working professional Rituraj Dixit said food safety is directly linked to public health and authorities should carry out regular checks.

Bar licences suspended

The state excise department has suspended the bar licences of two establishments following serious food safety violations. The action was taken on the instructions of Collector Shivam Verma after a joint team inspected Sayaji Hotels (Indore) Ltd and Sahastra Foods and Services Pvt Ltd.

Their food licences were suspended after serious irregularities were found. Under excise rules, a valid food licence is mandatory for holding a bar licence. The bar licences have been suspended until the food licence suspension ends or March 31, 2027, whichever comes earlier.

PEOPLES’ SPEAK

“People have become more aware of food safety, but the most shocking thing is that if such irregularities are found in such a big hotel, then whom will people trust?” Neti Upadhyay, officer with a reputed paint company

“The administration should carry out such inspections regularly so that such shortcomings can be identified from time to time and timely action can be taken against those responsible.” Abhimanyu Singh Naruka, officer with a finance company 

“After the action taken in Maharashtra, the administration here has also stepped up action on food safety. This action is commendable, but the government should conduct regular inspections of hotels, dhabas and other food establishments” Mayank Tiwari, businessman

“Authorities should not treat inspections as a short-term campaign and should carry out regular checks and take immediate action whenever complaints are received” working professional Rituraj Dixit.  

“The kitchen where food is prepared should be kept clean, noting that cheap potatoes are often used in samosas” Hemant Garg, catering businessman

“These actions across the city is a challenge for the people to find safe food in the city” advocate Ghanshyam Gupta   

Action against adulteration is necessary as it is a matter of food safety and human lives. It seems that Indore officials swung into action after Maharashtra FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe took action against various food establishments” Rajkumar Lovanshi, student.

“Indore is famous for its food culture, so it is mandatory to conduct a major drive against adulteration, like in Maharashtra” Seema Chouhan  

“Customers visit premium hotels for trust, so the administration should regularly inspect food establishments, including premium hotels” Sunil Gadiya