While eating out amid the monsoon rains can be quite fun, it comes with the risk of unwanted additions to your food, in the form of cockroaches, frogs, mice and—as in a recent case—lizards. This can happen if kitchens in hotels, restaurants, or rooftop eateries don't maintain proper hygiene standards or if raw ingredients, especially vegetables, aren't cleaned and stored correctly. 

Customer Vigilance

To protect against such contamination, customers are advised to check kitchen cleanliness before dining at any establishment. A hygiene rating scheme is in place in the state, where third-party agencies have trained and rated establishments on hygiene and sanitation standards. Use these ratings to make informed choices.

How to file a complaint?

If you find insects or other unwanted protein in any food served to you, you can complain to the food department using the following avenues. 

Toll-free: 18002335500, 14435

Mobile: 9099013116, 9099012166

Email: helpdesk.fdca@gmail.com

Enforcement Actions

The administration regularly inspects dining establishments such as hotels, restaurants, and dhabas for compliance with hygiene and sanitation provisions as per Schedule-IV of the Food Safety & Standards Act, 2006, and the Food Safety & Standards (Licensing & Registration) Regulations, 2011. 

Non-compliance can result in license cancellation, closure, and fines up to ₹1 lakh.

Guidelines for Food Businesses

Food businesses are primarily responsible for ensuring insect-free food. They should:

• Maintain clean kitchens
• Cover windows and exhaust fans with nets
• Install proper doors to prevent insect entry
• Use fly catchers
• Cover drainage systems
• Conduct regular pest control by authorized agencies and maintain records

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