Surat: The civic body on Monday inspected 80 food establishments across the city, issuing notices to 32 outlets for hygiene and infrastructure shortcomings, collecting 25 food samples for testing and imposing fines totalling Rs 1.09 lakh.Zonal teams from the SMC’s food and sanitation divisions carried out checks to assess hygiene standards and regulatory compliance. Officials reviewed cleanliness, kitchen and storage facilities, food preparation areas, water quality used for cooking and washing, and the quality and sourcing of raw materials.Inspectors also verified whether food handlers had undergone health check-ups and were medically fit. Waste segregation and disposal systems were examined to ensure adherence to sanitation norms.As part of the drive, establishments were instructed to introduce arrangements that allow customers to view cooking processes live through video systems. The measure is aimed at improving transparency and encouraging better hygiene practices.Of the 80 outlets inspected, 32 were served notices after officials found hygiene- and infrastructure-related deficiencies. The establishments were directed to carry out corrective measures on priority.Officials collected 25 food samples from various outlets for laboratory testing. During the inspections, 44kg of food found unfit for consumption was destroyed. Enforcement action against violators resulted in fines amounting to Rs 1.09 lakh.
