Disturbing Incident of Food Adulteration in Baghpat
UP News: A shocking incident has emerged from a hotel named ‘Naresh Chicken Corner’ in Baghpat, Uttar Pradesh, where a video of a cook spitting on roti before cooking it went viral on social media. This deplorable act has drawn considerable public outrage and has led to immediate action by the authorities. The accused, identified as Shahzad, has been arrested by the UP Police and is currently undergoing interrogation, while the hotel owner, Vikram, has expressed his disapproval and requested action against Shahzad.
Details of the Incident
The disturbing video showed Shahzad, a young cook, repeatedly spitting on the dough used for making rotis prior to placing them in a tandoor for cooking. The video, recorded by a customer dining at the hotel, quickly spread across social media platforms, eliciting anger and disgust from viewers.
Public Reaction and Location
Located along the Meerut-Baghpat National Highway in Mandi Tettiri, the hotel has faced significant backlash from the local community and neighboring villages, who have expressed their dismay at such unsanitary practices in food preparation. Many regular customers are now reconsidering their dining choices, reflecting widespread public concern over food safety.
Government Response
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has taken a stern stance in response to this and similar incidents, directing that the names and addresses of restaurant owners and their employees must be prominently displayed in all hotels and dining establishments. The Chief Minister has mandated that chefs and waitstaff wear masks and gloves while handling food and has called for the installation of CCTV cameras to enhance transparency and safety in food hygiene practices.
Widespread Food Safety Concerns
This incident is not isolated. Last week, a juice vendor in Ghaziabad was arrested for serving fruit juice that was reportedly contaminated with urine, while in June, two individuals were apprehended in Noida for selling juice tainted with saliva. These alarming occurrences highlight a pressing need for rigorous inspections and regulations in food service establishments across the state.
Preventive Measures and Future Steps
During a recent high-level meeting, Adityanath emphasized the necessity of thorough checks in all food establishments, urging police verification for every employee. He has also called for amendments in the Food Safety and Standards Act to uphold food purity and integrity. These measures are deemed crucial to prevent any further incidents of food adulteration in Uttar Pradesh.
Conclusion
The incident at Naresh Chicken Corner serves as a wake-up call regarding food safety standards in India. As awareness grows and the public demands greater accountability from food service providers, it is essential that stringent measures are enforced to ensure consumer safety and trust.
