In a shocking incident, customers at Octant Pizza on CG Road, Ahmedabad, discovered a worm in the gulab jamun dessert. This alarming finding has led to strict action from the local municipality. The issue of hygiene in restaurants has been a growing concern in Ahmedabad, with many establishments failing to meet cleanliness standards.
Reports indicate that around 90% of hotels and restaurants in Ahmedabad do not possess valid pest control certificates. This lack of certification raises serious questions about food safety in the city. The city is home to 3,628 registered food outlets, including restaurants and street food vendors. Alarmingly, only 10% of these have obtained a pest control certificate.
The problem is not limited to small eateries. Even five-star hotels have faced complaints about cleanliness. For instance, a popular five-star hotel near Shivranjani was fined ₹50,000 recently for hygiene violations. Another five-star establishment in Vastrapur was temporarily shut down for 48 hours after pests were found in food.
This trend highlights a worrying pattern. With the increasing footfall in restaurants and kitchens, maintaining cleanliness seems to be a challenge. Customers frequently report issues related to pests and stale food items. A restaurant owner acknowledged this, stating that every establishment must adhere to pest control policies and hygiene standards set by relevant agencies.
Despite the rising number of complaints, there has been little improvement in hygiene standards. The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation has issued pest control certificates, but compliance is low. Many restaurant owners argue that the busy nature of their establishments leaves little time for proper sanitation practices.
In September 2024, the city recorded a 4% increase in the number of restaurants, totaling 2,214. This growth raises even more concerns about the hygiene and maintenance of these establishments. Reports of pests have been frequent, leading customers to question the safety of their meals.
The lack of regulations in the food industry is alarming. According to sources, most complaints are resolved privately between customers and restaurant management. However, serious cases often escalate to the municipal corporation, which can lead to fines or closures.
The Octant Pizza incident serves as a wake-up call for the food industry in Ahmedabad. There is an urgent need for stricter hygiene regulations and enforcement. Customers deserve to enjoy their meals without the worry of encountering pests. The restaurant industry must prioritise cleanliness to rebuild consumer trust.
As Ahmedabad continues to grow as a culinary destination, it is essential for both customers and restaurant owners to advocate for better hygiene practices. The future of the city’s dining scene depends on it. If restaurants do not take these issues seriously, they risk losing their customers to competitors who prioritise food safety and cleanliness.
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