By Shishir Prashant 
PrashantNews
A joint inspection by the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) and the Food Safety and Drug Administration on Tuesday found rotten vegetables, stale food and the presence of cockroaches and rats at Handi Restaurant located at the premises of the elite Dehradun Club in the heart of Dehradun city.
The restaurant was ordered to close immediately, and its owner, Abhay Singh Negi, was issued a 14-day improvement notice to rectify the deficiencies.
The inspection team found rotten cauliflower, radish, capsicum, cabbage and potatoes in the freezer. It also found rice that was around two days old, kneaded dough stored for two to three days, and momo and chowmein ingredients that were approximately a week old.
Cockroaches and rats were found in the kitchen and spice storage cupboard, while several spice packets had been gnawed by rodents, an official statement claimed. The dishwashing area was extremely dirty, with utensils left unwashed for three to four days, accumulated garbage, blocked drains and a faulty drainage system, it further claimed.
Records of employees’ medical fitness, proof of pest control and a water quality test report were also unavailable, it said.
The team collected samples of paneer, milk and prepared chicken curry for laboratory testing. It also destroyed five kg of stale rice, 15 kg of vegetables, two kg of momos and stale chicken curry.
The inspection was conducted under the direction of District Judge and DLSA chairman Harish Kumar Goyal. DLSA secretary Seema Dungarkoti said the findings were particularly concerning at a restaurant frequented by dignitaries and VVIPs.
The restaurant has been directed to improve cleanliness, dispose of spoiled food, undertake pest control, repair drainage facilities and ensure safe drinking water and proper employee health records.
A follow-up inspection will be conducted after 14 days. Failure to meet the required standards could lead to suspension of the restaurant’s licence and further legal action.