Shillong: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has shut down RB Store, a popular bakery in Meghalaya‘s Shillong, for allegedly using newspapers in the baking of bread and cakes, an official confirmed on Wednesday.
This practice is a direct violation of food safety norms. The closure of RB Store is part of a broader, intensified crackdown by the FSSAI to ensure public food safety in the region.
In addition to the bakery, four other eateries were also ordered to cease operations due to severe hygiene and food safety violations. These establishments include Arun Hotel, Maa Kali Hotel, and two fast food outlets.
“These establishments were found compromising public health by flouting basic standards,” an FSSAI official stated.
“Using newspaper for baking is strictly prohibited as it contains harmful chemicals that can seep into food.”
The FSSAI has stepped up its inspections across the state in recent months, with numerous shops and eateries facing fines, warnings, or closures for violating safety regulations.
Under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, violations can lead to penalties ranging from fines of up to Rs 5 lakh to imprisonment for offenses involving unsafe or adulterated food. Repeat offenders risk license cancellation and prosecution under relevant provisions of the law.
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Further investigations are ongoing, and officials indicated that more surprise inspections are anticipated in the coming days to ensure compliance with food safety standards.
