Joint Food Safety Enforcement Drive Conducted Across Dharmanagar

Dharmanagar, North Tripura | September 23, 2026

A joint food safety enforcement drive was conducted across Dharmanagar in North Tripura on September 23 to strengthen compliance with food safety and hygiene standards among food businesses and street-food vendors.

The enforcement operation was coordinated by the Additional Sub-Divisional Magistrate (Addl. SDM), Dharmanagar, and covered hotels, restaurants, retail outlets, the local fish market and street-food establishments.

Inspections at Hotels, Restaurants and Retail Outlets

As part of the drive, officials inspected food establishments along DNV Road and Nayapara Road. The inspections focused on FSSAI licensing, kitchen hygiene, food-handling practices and the condition and expiry dates of food products.

During the inspection, one hotel-cum-restaurant was found operating without a valid FSSAI licence. Food products showing signs of fungal growth and spoilage, including button mushrooms, baby corn and a spice mix, were identified and discarded.

The proprietor of the establishment was directed to appear for show-cause proceedings. Further use of the kitchen premises was also stopped as directed during the enforcement operation.

Fish Samples Screened for Formalin

Officials also conducted inspections at the Dharmanagar Bazar fish market. Fish samples were screened for formalin using a field testing kit in coordination with the Fisheries Department.

The samples tested during the screening were found to be within the acceptable range. However, one survey sample of Hilsa fish considered to be of doubtful quality was collected and sent for laboratory examination at the Regional Food Laboratory.

The laboratory examination is expected to provide further information regarding the quality and safety of the sample.

Street-Food Vendors Given Food Safety Instructions

The enforcement team also inspected street-food establishments along Central Road and Kalibari Road.

Officials observed deficiencies related to food covering, personal hygiene and sanitary practices. Vendors were instructed to follow basic food safety measures, including using gloves and hairnets, keeping prepared food properly covered and avoiding direct contact between food and newspapers.

During the inspection, water being used for pani puri preparation was found to have been sourced from an unfiltered communal supply. The water was discarded, and vendors were instructed to use safe, filtered or packaged potable water for food preparation.

Further Action Under Food Safety Law

Necessary corrective instructions and enforcement measures were undertaken during the drive. Further action, including laboratory examination of the survey sample and follow-up proceedings, will be carried out in accordance with the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and applicable rules and regulations.

The enforcement drive highlights the importance of maintaining proper licensing, hygiene, safe food handling and potable water standards across food establishments and street-food operations.