Nagpur: Saoji cuisine has returned to the spotlight following remarks by Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe about Saoji food. Amid the discussion, the FDA has taken action against a Savji eatery in the Tiranga Chowk area of Nagpur, suspending its food licence after an inspection found violations of hygiene and health-related regulations.

The administration clarified that the action was not prompted by Mundhe’s remarks on Savji food, but was taken because of violations of food safety regulations.

Deficiencies found at Tiranga Chowk eatery

The FDA team inspected the Saoji eatery located at Ram Apartment, Tiranga Chowk, near Sangam Cinema, in the Hanumannagar division. The inspection found that the establishment was not complying with the mandatory hygiene and health standards prescribed under Appendix 4 of the Food Safety and Standards regulations.

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Based on the deficiencies identified during the inspection, action was taken against the food business in accordance with the rules, and its food licence was suspended.

Controversy followed Mundhe’s remarks

FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe had recently commented on Saoji food at an event held in Amravati. He said consuming Savji food could lead to health problems and that foods containing excessive oil could increase serious health risks such as heart disease.

His remarks drew sharp reactions from Saoji business owners and members of the community. Mundhe later issued a clarification, saying that he did not intend to criticise any particular food culture or the Savji community.

Referring to a personal experience, he said that in 2008-09, a friend had served him Saoji mutton. He said he was unable to tolerate the excessive spiciness and stopped after eating one bite. He also clarified that he had not advised anyone against eating Savji food.

‘Action only for rule violations’

The action against the Saoji eatery following Mundhe’s remarks led to further discussion. However, the FDA made it clear that the licence of the Tiranga Chowk establishment was suspended because of violations of hygiene and health-related regulations.

According to the administration, this was a routine suspension action and should not be viewed as a separate action taken with immediate effect.

Further action against rule violators

The FDA regularly inspects food businesses to ensure that citizens have access to safe, hygienic and quality food. Action is taken against establishments in accordance with the rules whenever violations are found during inspections.

Thus, while the controversy surrounding Savji food continues separately, the FDA has clearly linked the action against the Tiranga Chowk eatery to violations of hygiene and health-related regulations.