The Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) has intensified its crackdown in the past 48 hours on hotels and other food joints which are operating without necessary licenses and other crucial permissions.
On Thursday, the CMC Food Safety team headed by Health Officer Dr. Satyabrata Mahapatra conducted inspection in over 10 hotels between Seminary Chhak to Baropathar area in the city. As per senior officials, three hotels were sealed for violating the prescribed guidelines.
“We have started a special drive since yesterday and today we have sealed three hotels which were operating without food, trade license and other user fee,” said Mahapatra.
According to Mahapatra, the owners of the three hotels which have been sealed have been asked to produce necessary documents. Only after prior review, necessary action and decision will be taken on the fate of such hotels, he added.
Apart from this, the CMC Food Safety team also detected massive irregularities in maintaining hygiene and use of colours in food items.
“We have seized artificial colours which were being used in preparing various dishes by hotels. The seized colour packets will be sent for lab examination,” Mahapatra added.
On Wednesday, the CMC Food Safety team inspected various hotels, sweet shops and restaurants in the city as a part of a routine check. The team examined the hygiene factors, licenses and other necessary documents. Penalty was also imposed on some units violating the food safety standards.
(Reported by Biswajit Acharya)