A special ‘Food Safety Week’ has been launched across West Bengal, with the administration stepping up efforts to ensure the availability of safe and hygienic food for the public. The drive, which began on September 1, will continue until September 7. However, within just the first three days, alarming irregularities have surfaced from multiple districts.

In a strong crackdown against food adulteration and unhygienic practices, authorities have sealed 17 hotels and restaurants across various regions. The Chief Minister’s Office issued a stern warning, making it clear that any compromise on public health will not be tolerated.

Officials emphasized that strict surveillance will continue, stating that immediate legal action is being taken wherever violations are detected. Mobile testing vans and advanced laboratory facilities are being deployed to ensure rapid and accurate food quality checks.

According to preliminary data from the Food Safety Department:

• 2,337 food establishments were inspected between September 1 and 3
• Irregularities were found in 2,056 establishments
• 2,039 outlets were issued directives for corrective measures
• 1,277 food samples were collected for testing

The findings indicate that a majority of establishments failed to meet basic hygiene and regulatory standards.

Unhygienic practices and adulteration uncovered

Authorities reported shocking violations during inspections. In Kolkata alone, over 700 kg of raw materials were discarded due to contamination concerns.
In Malda, a well-known biryani outlet was found cooking food over an open drain without a valid FSSAI license, leading to an immediate ban on its operations.

Raids on drinking water units ‘Pure Bund’ and ‘Pilot Pani’ revealed that both were operating without licenses, prompting authorities to halt their sales. A cake manufacturing unit, ‘Tasty Food Products’, was also shut down due to extremely unhygienic conditions.

Toxic substances seized in North 24 Parganas

In a particularly serious case, officials raided a shop named ‘Dudhghar’ in Ashoknagar, where toxic Metanil Yellow dye was allegedly being mixed into turmeric powder. ‘Kamdhenu Food Color’ was seized, and the establishment was sealed due to both safety violations and lack of licensing.

While the ongoing drive highlights the administration’s proactive stance, concerns are being raised about the lack of consistent enforcement throughout the year. Critics argue that such strict monitoring is often limited to special observance weeks, with many areas—particularly outside major municipal jurisdictions—remaining unchecked for extended periods.

As the Food Safety Week continues, authorities maintain that the drive is aimed at long-term reform. Whether this momentum will translate into sustained vigilance remains a key question.

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