Jaipur health teams find expired, contaminated food in PG hostelsJaipur: As part of the ‘Shuddh Aahar, Milavat Par War’ campaign, food safety teams of the health department inspected six PG hostels in Jaipur on Saturday and reportedly discovered expired condiments, spoiled food items and poor hygiene standards in several hostel messes.During the inspection at Oasis Hostel, officials collected samples of coriander powder, chilli powder and refined soybean oil for laboratory testing. The team also found that mandatory records such as medical fitness certificates of food handlers, water quality test reports and pest control documents were missing. The mess was operating without a valid food licence.According to Chief Medical and Health Officer, Jaipur (II), Manish Mittal, the most serious violations were detected at Oasis Hostel in Vidhani. Inspectors found expired bottles of red chilli sauce, soya sauce, vinegar and green chilli sauce, all of which were destroyed on the spot. The team also seized and discarded around 15 kg of rotten tomatoes and food colouring that was being used in food preparation.At S S Jain Subodh Mahila PG Hostel in Buddhsinghpura near the airport, samples of turmeric powder and chilli powder were collected. Excessive filth was found in the messes of both hostels. Officials said the mess was also being operated without a food licence and several irregularities were detected.A complaint will be filed against the operators of both hostels under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, for running food businesses without a licence. Improvement notices will also be issued, and the operators have been strictly warned to comply with food safety rules.At Keshav Girls PG Hostel on Gopalpura Bypass, insects were found in maida and dal. About 30 kg of contaminated food material and vegetables were destroyed. Samples of refined soybean oil and rusk were collected.The team also collected samples of atta and tomato sabzi from G One Boys PG Hostel in Vidhani, refined soybean oil from Urban Stay PG Hostel in Triveni Nagar on Gopalpura Bypass, and atta, mixed dal and sabzi from N S PG Hostel.Officials said further action will be taken under the Food Safety and Standards Act after test reports of the collected samples are received.
