Cuttack hotels sealed, Mumbai eateries lose licences for food safety breaches

Two hotels in Cuttack's CDA Sector 6 were sealed on Tuesday after a raid by the Cuttack Municipal Corporation's health wing found expired curd, suspected adulterated paneer, and poor hygiene including mixed storage of veg and non-veg items. An iodine test on paneer indicated adulteration. A large quantity of food was seized. CMC officials warned of fines and closure for violators, and said inspections would continue across the city. One hotel owner blamed an outside supplier for the expired curd and said staff had failed to check the expiry date.

Separately, the Maharashtra FDA suspended the licences of six food establishments in Mumbai, including Otters Club in Bandra, Daily Fresh Bakers in Dahisar, Prince of Wales Restaurant in Khar West, Cafe Sifarish in Andheri West and Zepto Limited in Chembur, for food safety and hygiene violations. Analogue paneer supplied by Punjab Sind Dairy was found being sold as "Regular Paneer". The FDA said no licences were cancelled, only suspended. The action is part of an ongoing inspection drive. Hospitality bodies have sought due process and an opportunity for establishments to rectify violations.