CHENNAI:
Private hostels serving unhygienic food will get the boot if the food
safety department has its way. Acting on complaints from various parts
of the city, the department began raids on hostel kitchens on Thursday.
District food safety officer S Lakshmi Narayan said that they conducted
surprise inspections in various hostels in Saidapet and T Nagar. "It
was shocking that most private hostels are in a bad condition and serve
poor quality food". TOI had recently highlighted the lack of quality
food and hygiene in the private hostels in the city. During the raid, officials found that many hostels serve substandard food and water, posing health risks.
Other conditions in these hostels were also found to be bad. "Some 16
people were staying in a crammed room in bunker beds without adequate
space. There aren't enough toilets for the residents. We have issued
notices to these hostels and asked them to improve the quality of food
and the living conditions in 15 days. If they don't comply, we will take
action," the officer added. Many professionals and students
from different parts of the country stay in hostels as they provide
cheap accommodation, but there are several complaints about the quality
of food. "I don't have the money to pay 12-month rental advance and
broker commission for a flat. The hostel owner prepares food for only 25
people, though 35 live here. The quality of food is pathetic," said
Anita Rajendran, a resident of a private hostel in Saidapet. "If we
complain, they ask us to leave the hostel."
Chennai corporation doesn't monitor the functioning and facilities of hostels. Sources said people who run five to ten hostels in various parts of the city have a centralised kitchen. "Food material is sometimes transported in unsealed containers, and they can get contaminated," said an employee of a private hostel in West CIT Nagar. Residents often have no choice as the monthly rent of about 6,500 is always inclusive of the food. Source:http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Chennai corporation doesn't monitor the functioning and facilities of hostels. Sources said people who run five to ten hostels in various parts of the city have a centralised kitchen. "Food material is sometimes transported in unsealed containers, and they can get contaminated," said an employee of a private hostel in West CIT Nagar. Residents often have no choice as the monthly rent of about 6,500 is always inclusive of the food. Source:http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com
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