Indore's Food Safety Crisis: 20% of Samples Fail Tests in Major Campaign

Indore, known as Madhya Pradesh's culinary capital and praised by PM Narendra Modi for its food offerings, is grappling with a food safety crisis. Recent raids and inspections have uncovered violations not just at roadside eateries but also at premium hotels and prestigious schools, shocking local officials.

During a special Food Safety Department campaign from July 20 to August 20, over 25,000 kg of ghee and around 15,000 kg of paneer and milk products were inspected. Approximately 20% of samples tested during the drive failed quality standards. Senior Food Officer Manish Swami reported that more than 10 samples were found unsafe for human consumption due to suspected adulteration with harmful substances. Last year, around 15% of 3,600 food samples collected in the city failed laboratory tests.

Violations have emerged at Hotel Signature, Bhavans Prominent International School, and Shishukunj International School, where children fell ill after consuming food prepared in unhygienic conditions. The school's kitchen was subsequently sealed and later reopened under strict conditions.