Nearly 400 food samples fail quality checks in Telangana, yet zero penalties or convictions Lucknow: The Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA) has stepped up inspections of hotels, restaurants, fast-food chains, dhabas, canteens and other eateries across Uttar Pradesh, with a focus on hygiene and measures to prevent food contamination.The department has laid down key inspection parameters covering everything from food licences and registration to kitchens, dining areas, storage facilities, drainage systems and food preparation practices. Officials will specifically check arrangements to prevent physical, chemical and microbial contamination. Establishments serving non-vegetarian food will also be inspected for safeguards against cross-contamination while handling raw meat, poultry and seafood.During inspections, officials will first verify whether the food business operator has a valid licence or registration corresponding to the nature of the business, such as a hotel, restaurant, dhaba, canteen or catering establishment.The condition of kitchens and storage areas will be checked, including floors, walls and ceilings, to ensure they do not pose a contamination risk. Drainage systems will also be inspected to ascertain whether they are functioning properly.Eateries preparing non-vegetarian food will be required to maintain a separate area for raw meat, poultry and seafood, along with separate cutting boards, utensils and knives. The objective is to prevent cross-contamination during food preparation.Officials will also check whether surfaces used for preparing raw meat or poultry are properly cleaned. The department has prescribed cleaning with an antibacterial agent, followed by washing with water and sanitisation.The inspection will also focus on whether vegetarian and non-vegetarian food is prepared, handled and cooked separately. The department said the inspections are aimed at strengthening food safety practices among food businesses and ensuring consumers have access to clean and safe food.
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