Dead Rat Found in Sweet Shop Leads to FDA Licence Suspension Nagpur: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended the licence of a prominent sweet brand, Hira Sweets, located in Pachpaoli, following a surprise inspection that uncovered severe hygiene violations. The inspection, conducted by Food Safety Officer NN Khandare on July 3, revealed the premises were in a state of extreme unfitness for food production. A dead rat was discovered in the area where food items are prepared, sparking immediate concerns about contamination. The manager of the establishment claimed the rat had fallen from the exhaust fan, but the presence of milk being heated and open vessels containing orange barfi mixture nearby raised further alarms. The inspection uncovered multiple breaches of Schedule 4 of the Food Safety and Standards Act. The unit lacked adequate ventilation, proper storage facilities for food packaging materials, chemicals, and employee belongings. Critical measures to prevent the entry of insects, rodents, and other contaminants were entirely absent. Darkness in the room where Mysore Pak is prepared added to the concerns, as it could allow insects and cockroaches to contaminate the sweets. The FDA’s Assistant Commissioner issued an order on July 6 to suspend the licence of Hira Sweets until further notice. During the suspension period, the company is prohibited from manufacturing or selling any food products. The decision underscores the regulatory body’s strict stance on maintaining food safety standards. The incident highlights the potential risks of poor hygiene practices in food production units and the importance of regular inspections to prevent public health hazards.#nagpur #food_and_drug_administration #hira_sweets #nn_khandare #food_safety_and_standards_act
