Unhygienic Practices Uncovered at New Delhi Railway Station Eateries

An India Today undercover investigation by the Special Investigation Team has exposed alarming hygiene violations at food establishments operating near New Delhi Railway Station. The probe revealed food being prepared in open areas directly adjacent to filthy drains, with staff frequently working without essential hygiene gear such as gloves and hair nets.

At Madras Hotel, a manager acknowledged the absence of proper safety equipment and stated that food safety officials do not conduct checks once an eatery secures its license. The manager also indicated that pest control was handled informally in-house. Despite obvious violations in congested lanes, food operators reportedly downplayed concerns, asserting that authorities did not object, leaving thousands of daily passengers at potential risk due to a lack of regulatory oversight.

A separate India Today Spot Check investigation, led by Nitin Jain, further scrutinized popular food establishments in Delhi, following Maharashtra FDA's food safety crackdown. The team visited Punjabi Dhaba 7876 and Royal Flavors in Paharganj. At Punjabi Dhaba 7876, staff were observed preparing food without hairnets or required medical checks. A manager admitted on camera that safety rules were secondary, claiming inspections were managed through bribes, and even suggested sourcing prohibited meat.

At Royal Flavors, workers were seen prepping food directly next to an open sewer that was being cleaned, and management dismissed the presence of rats as unavoidable. The investigations collectively highlight severe non-compliance with fundamental food safety and hygiene regulations across the national capital, posing significant health risks to the public.

What to watch: Potential regulatory action and increased inspections following these revelations.

Editor's note: The draft accurately synthesizes the investigative findings and covers the specific locations and claims mentioned in the source material.