The Thane unit of the Food and Drugs Administration seized the bottles during raids conducted in bars at Kashimara
Bhayandar : Before you guzzle beer at a watering hole, be sure to first check the batch number and manufacturing date printed on the bottle. The reason is that the bottles could be from a lot which is past its expiry date.
The Thane unit of the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) seized 132 beer bottles that had surpassed their shelf life during surprise checks carried out at bars in Kashimira late on Thursday night.
In an attempt to check hygiene and to assess the quality of food and liquor served to customers, an FDA team, led by Joint Commissioner Suresh Deshmukh and Asst. Commissioner Rajendra Runwal, raided local restaurants and bars in the region.
At Saddle-Up Ladies Bar in Kashimira, the team found 132 bottles of Haywards Beer that had gone past their shelf life.
Apart from collecting samples of whiskies from two bars, Hotel Ram Punjab and Ganesh Bhawan, the FDA conducted checks at 13 other eateries, of which several were found to be operating in utmost unhygienic conditions.
As news about the raids spread, ladies bar owners immediately removed outdated alcoholic drinks to avoid penal action. A beer bottle is best for consumption up to six months from its manufacturing date, officials said.
“The samples will be tested at the lab to confirm if all parameters of safety and quality are followed. Strict penal action will be initiated against the violators,” said Food Safety Officer MA Jadhav.
Besides regular checks to enforce quality and hygiene, the FDA has set up a dedicated toll-free helpline — 1800222365 — aimed at ensuring public participation against any such illegalities.
suresh golani
