Food Safety officials in West Tripura uncovered unhygienic conditions, dead flies, and expired ingredients inside major sweet shop manufacturing units during a surprise inspection drive. Show-cause notices were issued, and authorities warned that strict legal action may follow against violators.
A surprise inspection drive conducted by the Food Safety wing under the West Tripura district Chief Medical Officer’s office on Wednesday exposed alarming hygiene violations inside the manufacturing units of several well-known sweet shops in the city. Officials discovered dead flies on floors, poorly maintained kitchens, unhygienic storage conditions, and even the alleged use of expired ingredients in the preparation of sweets.
The inspection team first visited the manufacturing unit of “Mithai,” a reputed sweet shop located on Central Road. According to food safety officials, the condition of the kitchen and production area failed to meet basic hygiene standards required for food preparation.
Food safety official Pranab Debnath, who was part of the inspection team, said the authorities found several irregularities during the visit. He stated that the overall cleanliness of the kitchen was highly unsatisfactory and expired products were allegedly being used in sweet preparation.
“The condition of the manufacturing unit and the kitchen is not satisfactory at all. Hygiene standards are not being maintained properly, and most importantly, expired goods were found in use. We have issued notices asking them to improve the conditions immediately. The owners have also been directed to visit our office,” Debnath said.
Following the inspection at Mithai, the team carried out another raid at the manufacturing unit of Joy Gopal Mistanna Bhandar. The inspection was led by Dr. Ayan Bhattacharjee, who described the condition of the unit as far below acceptable food safety standards.
Dr. Bhattacharjee alleged that dead flies were found near areas where food items were being stored, raising serious concerns about contamination risks. He also pointed out that the kitchen environment was unhygienic and unsafe for food production.
“We noticed dead flies in the storage areas and unhygienic conditions throughout the kitchen. The owners have been asked to explain what corrective measures they will take. Legal action may also be initiated against them,” he said.
The inspection team later visited Sherowali Sweets. Although officials observed comparatively better conditions there, certain shortcomings were still identified during the inspection. Authorities served notices to the establishment as well, directing the management to rectify the deficiencies without delay.
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Food Safety officials indicated that such inspection drives would continue across the district to ensure food products sold to consumers meet mandatory hygiene and safety standards. Authorities also warned that strict legal measures could be taken against establishments failing to comply with food safety regulations.
