TAUSEEF AHMAD
SRINAGAR, Mat 11: A viral social media video allegedly showing a cockroach in a serving of biryani has prompted swift action from the Food Safety Team in Srinagar, culminating in the closure of a food establishment found operating under “poor hygienic conditions” and in violation of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
Acting on the widely circulated footage, officials from the Food Safety Department conducted an inspection of the concerned restaurant soon after taking cognizance of the matter. What began as an online controversy quickly escalated into a full-fledged enforcement action after inspectors reportedly discovered evidence of cockroach infestation within the premises.
According to officials, the inspection revealed serious lapses in hygiene and sanitation, including violations falling under Schedule 4 of the Food Safety and Standards Act (FSS Act), 2006 — the section that lays down mandatory sanitary and hygienic requirements for food businesses. The team also collected samples of prepared food from the establishment for analytical examination to determine whether the food served was fit for human consumption.
Authorities said the Food Business Operator had failed to undertake mandatory pest-control measures, a critical requirement under food safety regulations intended to prevent contamination and protect public health. The absence of pest-control mechanisms, coupled with the unhygienic condition of the premises, was viewed as a grave violation by the inspecting team.
“In view of the violations observed during inspection, the establishment has been closed,” officials said, adding that a formal challan detailing the breaches of various provisions of the FSS Act would be submitted before the competent court for legal proceedings.
The incident has once again brought the spotlight onto food safety standards in eateries and restaurants, particularly in an era where customer experiences — and alleged violations — can rapidly gain traction online and trigger public outrage within hours. The viral video not only raised concerns among consumers but also underscored the growing role of social media as a catalyst for regulatory action.
In its official communication, the Food Safety Department issued a stern warning to all Food Business Operators across the region, directing them to ensure strict compliance with hygiene and sanitation norms mandated under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Operators have specifically been instructed to carry out regular pest-control measures and maintain clean food-handling environments to avoid contamination risks.
The department warned that any failure to comply with prescribed food safety standards would invite strict legal action against violators under the provisions of the FSS Act.
The case is now expected to proceed through legal scrutiny once the analytical report of the food samples is received and the challan is formally placed before the court.
