Rotten non-vegetarian food seized in city

SALEM, May 23, 2013

Health officials conduct surprise inspection in restaurants

Decaying food:Health officials seize rotten chicken items in a restaurant near Five Roads in Salem on Wednesday. –PHOTO: P. GOUTHAM

Health officials on Wednesday conducted surprise inspections in four restaurants on Junction Main Road in the city and seized 65 kg of rotten non-vegetarian items that were ready to be served to customers.

Based on complaints from the public that the quality of non-vegetarian food served is poor and not prepared in a hygienic environment, a team led by T. Anuradha, District Designated Officer, Tamil Nadu Food Safety and Drug Administration Department inspected two restaurants near Five Road Junction on Junction Main Road on Wednesday afternoon.

They found rotten chickens mixed with masala and kept in refrigerators, ready for preparation to be served for customers, upon receiving orders.

Officials also found grilled chicken and tandoori items left to dry in an open place in an unhygienic environment in a restaurant and seized 50 kg chicken.

Officials also inspected three more restaurants and found prawns and fish items in rotten stage.

As many as 15 kg were seized and the restaurant owners were warned of further action if hygienic food items were not served to customers.

Notices were issued to them following the inspections and they were asked to respond within 15 days about the corrective measures that they have taken.

Health officials said that the rotten chicken and non-vegetarian items were served with cooked masalas and hence customers could not feel the stale nature of the food.

“The non-vegetarian items were stored in refrigerators for many days and served. Most of them were rotten,” they added.