Surat: Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) sealed Shital Restaurant in Varachha after a six-hour inspection on Monday during which civic food safety officials found a large quantity of stale and improperly stored food. A five-member team from the SMC’s food department examined the restaurant’s kitchen, storage facilities, washing area and food-handling practices before taking enforcement action.The civic body imposed a Rs 25,000 fine on the restaurant and issued a notice citing unhygienic conditions, particularly in the washing area. Officials also collected four food samples for laboratory testing, including two cooked vegetable preparations and raw ingredients — paneer and cashew.As part of the action, the team destroyed around 80kg of cooked food and raw ingredients found stored at the premises. Officials said the food was disposed of over concerns regarding its safety and storage conditions.“We have carried out inspections at this restaurant in the past and collected samples. We conduct such checks at regular intervals and collect samples for testing,” said Bhavesh Brahmbhatt, food safety officer, SMC.Officials said further action would be taken based on the laboratory test reports and the restaurant’s compliance with the notice. The sealing order will remain in force pending further assessment by the civic body.
