Health department officials in Mohali, Punjab, launched an investigation into a momo and spring roll manufacturing unit after discovering highly unsanitary conditions, including a severed dog's head stored inside the factory’s fridge.
The shocking find came during a raid conducted jointly by the district health department and the municipal corporation, targeting food production facilities operating under unhygienic conditions. The factory, located in Mataur village, had come to the authorities' attention after a viral video surfaced, exposing the filthy environment in which the food items were being prepared.
Acting on this information, officials conducted a thorough inspection of the premises, during which they discovered decayed meat, spoiled food, and other unhygienic practices.
A particularly disturbing discovery was the severed head of a dog, seemingly that of a pug, kept inside a refrigerator at the facility. However, officials clarified that there was no evidence to suggest the dog's remains were being used in food production. According to preliminary reports, the factory workers, who hail from Nepal, allegedly kept the head for their own use.
The factory had been operating for two years, supplying over a quintal of momos and spring rolls daily to various locations, including Chandigarh, Panchkula, and Kalka.
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Authorities took immediate action, collecting food samples, including momo wrappers, sauces, and other ingredients, to test for contamination. The severed dog's head was also sent to the Veterinary Department for further examination to rule out its use in food processing.
In response to the alarming findings, the Mohali Municipal Corporation imposed a ₹12,000 fine on the factory owner for violating sanitation standards and an additional ₹10,000 fine for stocking a large quantity of plastic bags, which are restricted under environmental regulations.
Municipal Corporation Commissioner Parminder Pal Singh addressed the incident, stating, "Strict action is being taken against unhygienic food manufacturing units. Health and municipal teams raided the factory on Monday and found it operating under unacceptable conditions. Beyond issuing fines, we will verify whether such establishments have valid trade licenses and will take further action accordingly. Our top priority is to protect public health and prevent unsafe food from reaching consumers."
Authorities have assured that stringent monitoring will continue in the region to prevent similar violations and ensure food safety standards are strictly enforced.
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