Rotten food items found at 2 clubs

Food establishments operate without licence; safety rules being ignored

Health officials at a food establishment in Amritsar on Wednesday. 

Amritsar, July 11

A team of health officials conducted a surprise check at three private clubs in the city on Wednesday. Two of the clubs were found using rotten eatables following which a huge quantity of items, including rotten chicken, were destroyed.

District Health Officer Dr Lakhbir Singh Bhagowalia said substandard food items were found at Lumsden Club and Heritage Club. Besides, the managements could not produce the mandatory licence under the Food Safety and Standards Act. The clubs have been operating without a licence which is against the FSSA norms. The department has issued a notice to them to get the licence within seven days and resolve all discrepancies within the stipulated time. “We will be conducting a follow up inspection after seven days and if no improvement is found, action as per law will be taken,” he said.

He added the condition at Amritsar Club was comparatively better and they also produced a valid FSSA licence.

Health officials said condition of kitchens was unhygienic and below normal standards. The clubs could not produce medical certificates of cooks and other staff. As per the law, the food businesses are required to get their staff medically examined for communicable diseases and ensure that all workers are fit and healthy.

Dr Baghowalia said none of the workers at any club wore head covers and gloves. The department has also asked the clubs to display and follow 12 golden rules for hygiene and cleanliness as listed by Food Safety and Standards Authority of India.

Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kamaldeep Singh Sangha has also called a meeting of hoteliers and restaurants, including private clubs, for Friday to ask them to follow all food safety instructions under the ongoing ‘Tandrust Punjab’ mission.