Controversy Over 'Unsafe' Food Samples from Popular Restaurants in Delhi

The Delhi High Court has been informed by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) that rice and other food samples collected from three popular eateries in the Capital have been found to be unsafe.

The affidavit filed by the department states that the presence of artificial colour makes these dishes 'unfit' for human consumption.The samples of 'Rizo Rice' taken from KFC at Scindia House in Connaught Place showed that it contained artificial colour. Rice samples collected for testing from Sagar Ratna restaurant in Guru Teg Bahadur Nagar were also found to be unsafe.

It was also found that the samples of ghee (clarified butter) collected from various eateries were of 'sub-standard' quality and were 'misbranded' to mislead the public. Moreover, samples of fruit and vegetable chutney from the Bikanerwala restaurant at ITL Tower in Netaji Subhash Place was also contaminated with artificial colours. (5 Most Shocking Ingredients in Your Food)

Sagar Ratna responded by saying that the department inspected raw uncooked rice instead of what they actually use. "Sagar Ratna has had a lineage of providing great quality food, good service in a clean ambience to a large customer base, several who have been our loyal customers for years. We are aware of this visit by FSSAI officials to our outlet which was conducted in February 2013. We have been very cooperative throughout the entire inspection. The sample that was picked up by FSSAI was primarily the raw uncooked rice, we source this rice from various known brands of rice producers. The raw uncooked rice is firstly thoroughly washed and cleaned, boiled properly and then only it is cooked according to different recipes and served to customers. This is a standard and stringent procedure adopted at all our outlets. The matter is currently subjudice," says Mr. Murali Krishna Parna, CEO, Sagar Ratna.