Chattogram, September 20 (CTG Mail): Nineteen food establishments were fined a total of Tk 9.25 lakh for alleged violations of food safety regulations during a drive conducted in different parts of Chattogram city on Saturday.

The operation also resulted in a case being filed against the owner of a spice mill under the Special Powers Act, while one person was arrested.

The drive was conducted under the leadership of Chattogram Metropolitan Magistrate Mohammad Mostafa, said Mohammad Farhan Islam, metropolitan food safety officer, on Saturday.

Hygiene Violations Found at Highway Sweets

A number of serious irregularities were detected at the factory of Highway Sweets and Bakery in Lalkhan Bazar, according to the food safety authorities.

The inspection found that the establishment was allegedly using substandard ghee in sweets, selling toast biscuits without proper quality control and operating in a damp environment.

Inspectors also found unclean containers used for processing chhana, while cockroach activity was reportedly observed in some areas of the factory.

The owner of Highway Sweets and Bakery was fined Tk 3 lakh over the violations.

Wood Powder, Unauthorised Colour Found in Spice Mill

At Jasim Masala Mill in the Chaktai-Khatunganj area, inspectors allegedly found wood powder being mixed with spices.

The authorities also reported the use of unauthorised colouring agents and rotten, dirty chillies in spice production.

The owner’s side was also accused of failing to cooperate with government officials during the operation. A case was filed under the Special Powers Act and one person was arrested in connection with the alleged violations.

Multiple Irregularities at Bali Arcade Food Court

The inspection team also found several irregularities at different food outlets at Bali Arcade Food Court in Chawkbazar.

According to the authorities, several establishments were found using or storing rotten potatoes, meat, vegetables and other food items. Inspectors also reported expired products, burnt cooking oil, unhygienic storage and improper refrigeration practices.

KFC was fined Tk 50,000 for allegedly using rotten potatoes and rotten meat products, while Fuchka Khadok was fined Tk 30,000 for allegedly using rotten potatoes and mangoes.

Street Eats was fined Tk 30,000 for allegedly using burnt oil, serving food on newspapers and storing raw and cooked food together in a refrigerator.

Grill Master & Papacino was fined Tk 50,000 over allegations involving rotten carrots, expired Chinese vegetables, unhygienic plastic containers for hot food, rotten onions and substandard sauces.

Lazzat was also fined Tk 50,000 for allegedly storing expired chicken and breadcrumbs, using unauthorised colour in chilli products and keeping spoiled nuts and low-quality sauces.

Other Outlets Also Penalised

Delhi Darbar & Salad Lovers was fined Tk 1 lakh after inspectors reportedly found dirty cooking utensils, raw and cooked meat stored together, uncovered cooked food, unauthorised colouring agents, eggs contaminated with faeces, rotten boiled potatoes and expired fruits, yoghurt and mangoes.

Chilis was fined Tk 30,000 for allegedly storing raw and cooked food together, allowing dirt from a leaking stove to fall into food and storing blood-stained, unhygienic chicken in a freezer.

Elegant was fined Tk 50,000 for allegedly preparing food using foul-smelling meat, rotten mushrooms and rotten Chinese vegetables.

The authorities also fined The Bone China Tk 25,000, Waffle King Tk 10,000, Nine Candle 2.0 Tk 25,000 and Hotdog & Co Tk 50,000 over various alleged food safety violations.

The Waffle was fined Tk 10,000, Tomyam Tk 10,000, The Chicken Box Tk 25,000 and Fuchkawala & Juice Bar Tk 50,000.

The Munchguy was fined Tk 30,000 for allegedly using rotten meat and storing raw and cooked food together.

Food Safety Drive Continues

According to the authorities, the violations identified during the drive included the use of spoiled and expired food, improper refrigeration, poor hygiene, unauthorised food colouring and unsafe food preparation practices.

Officials said the fines imposed during the operation were collected.

Personnel from the Bangladesh Food Safety Authority’s district and metropolitan offices in Chattogram, food safety inspectors assigned to Chattogram City Corporation areas, SRB-7, Chattogram Metropolitan Police and Battalion Ansar jointly assisted in conducting the operation.

The authorities said such drives would continue to ensure compliance with food safety regulations and protect consumers from unsafe food.