Food safety officials in Madhya Pradesh sealed Rashi Restaurant in Sagar after finding insects crawling in buttermilk, flies hovering over uncovered food, and rats freely roaming the kitchen during an inspection. When confronted, the owner reportedly stunned officers by calling them his “pets.”
The Food Department has collected food samples for testing and warned that legal action will follow if contamination is confirmed. The restaurant has been ordered to fix all hygiene violations within seven days, and the use of illegal domestic LPG cylinders was also recorded.
Officials Shocked During Kitchen Inspection
Led by Food Inspector Preeti Rai, the inspection team entered the restaurant near Bundelkhand Medical College and was met with foul smells, greasy walls, and open containers of spoiled food. The inspectors reported seeing rats and flies moving around freely, with one officer describing the scene as “beyond comprehension.”
When asked about the rodents, the owner nonchalantly replied, “Madam, these rats are our pets.” Officials also identified unsafe cooking practices, including the unauthorised use of domestic gas cylinders for commercial cooking. The restaurant was sealed immediately following the raid, and samples were sent for laboratory testing.
Raids Trigger Panic Among Local Eateries
This shocking discovery comes amid a statewide crackdown on unhygienic eateries across Madhya Pradesh. The Food Department warned that similar surprise inspections would continue and that restaurant licences could be cancelled for non-compliance.
The incident has sparked outrage on social media, with users demanding stricter enforcement of food safety laws. Officials have appealed to the public to report unhygienic establishments to prevent further health hazards across the state.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The disturbing scenes from Rashi Restaurant in Sagar highlight how apathy towards food safety can threaten lives and dignity. Cleanliness should not be a privilege but a fundamental aspect of business ethics and public welfare. While authorities must ensure that safety standards are rigorously enforced, it is equally important for customers to stay informed and vigilant.
