RMC fined after viral video of rats in McDonald's restaurant

As part of the priorities of Yogi Deva Singh, the Department of Food and Drug Control conducted large-scale inspections and enforcement measures against fast-food chains, restaurants, and food establishments. In total, 152 teams inspected 233 premises across Lucknow, Noida, and Gorakhpur. Following the inspections, 163 notices were issued to rectify deficiencies, and licenses were suspended and businesses were closed for establishments with serious violations.

Inspections in Lucknow

In Lucknow, 52 teams inspected 78 food courts and fast-food outlets. 42 notices regarding necessary corrections were issued. During the inspection, issues were identified concerning food storage, sanitation, and the separate storage of raw and cooked dishes, which violates food safety standards. Specifically, unsatisfactory drainage and hygiene conditions were noted at Subway, Shalimar Gateway, and Alambagh. In one establishment, the business was closed due to the discovery of rodents and food contamination.

Furthermore, rodent activity was observed at Goliwada Pav and Arc Baleno, and mold and unsanitary conditions were found, leading to a recommendation for the closure of the establishment. Serious shortcomings were identified at Bikanervala and Fun Mall, including mold in products, presence of rodents on the premises, foul odors, sauce contamination, and flooding, resulting in closure and license suspension.

Exposing unsanitary conditions in Noida

In Noida, 57 teams checked 71 premises, issuing 42 notices to address deficiencies. Serious food safety problems were discovered. According to the department, mold, rodents, dirt, expired meat, and unsanitary conditions were observed in some kitchens. The process of suspending licenses has begun for 13 establishments, including Moti Mahal Deluxe, Nihau, Punjabi Dhaba-61, Castle Barbecue, Road House, Paddy Hospitality/Rolling Fresh, The Yellow Chilli, Ministry of Daru, Taste of Delhi, Jaika, Eat Club, Absolute BBQ, and Carnival Food Delight.

Violations recorded in these establishments included storing food at incorrect temperatures, co-storing raw and cooked meat, dirty utensils, unsanitary kitchens, inadequate pest control, use of expired ingredients, and improper food storage.

Inspections in Gorakhpur

In Gorakhpur, 43 teams inspected 84 establishments, issuing 79 notices to correct deficiencies. The department clarified that establishments failing to comply with established standards will be given time to rectify the situation. If deficiencies are not corrected within the specified period, measures, including license suspension or cancellation, as well as other legal actions, will be taken. The Food Safety Department provided all business owners with guidelines on maintaining cleanliness, safe storage, possessing valid licenses, using quality raw materials, and keeping products at the required temperature. The department emphasized that action against establishments endangering consumer health will continue.