Patna: A complaint about a cockroach in food cost a Hajipur restaurant its food licence on Thursday after an inspection found an unhygienic kitchen and improper food storage, according to a health department press release.Food safety officials inspected Sahu Hotel at Rajendra Chowk in Hajipur on Wednesday following a complaint received by the office of health department secretary and food safety commissioner Kumar Ravi. They found that the kitchen was unhygienic and prepared food was kept in the open and in dirty condition.Taking note of the violations, the designated officer-cum-licensing authority suspended the restaurant’s food licence with effect from October 22. The establishment has also been barred from operating without a valid licence.The action comes amid an intensified drive by the health department to ensure food safety and hygiene at eateries. In the past two months, officials have suspended the licences of several eateries and served notices on many others for failing to meet food safety and hygiene norms.Recent inspections, particularly in Patna, have found food items with fungal growth, foul-smelling ingredients and expired products in kitchens and storage areas of several establishments.Violations have been detected at establishments ranging from confectionery workshops making traditional sweets to popular food joints and high-end hotels. Officials have seized and destroyed unsafe food items and issued notices over poor hygiene and improper food storage and handling.Food safety officials said strict legal action would be taken against establishments that fail to comply with food safety regulations. Food business operators have also been asked to maintain kitchen hygiene, store food properly and ensure that consumers are served safe and quality food.
