Mumbai, June 7: A food safety concern raised by a senior citizen in Mulund has sparked questions about customer safety, food handling standards, and the response of food businesses to consumer complaints.

According to the complainant, senior citizen Harbinder Singh Gujral, the incident began after he purchased paneer from a local outlet operating under the name “Punjabi Paneer.” Gujral alleged that while inspecting the paneer at home, he discovered an insect lodged between the paneer pieces.

Disturbed by the discovery, Gujral said he immediately contacted the outlet to register a complaint. However, he alleged that the response from the staff was unsatisfactory and that repeated requests to speak directly with the owner were denied.

“The issue was not just about finding an insect in the paneer. What concerned me even more was the way the complaint was handled,” Gujral told this reporter. “As a customer, I expected the management to take the matter seriously and address the concern immediately.”

According to the complainant, he subsequently visited the outlet in person and requested to speak with the owner. He alleged that despite his insistence, the staff refused to facilitate communication with the owner. Following the disagreement, Gujral contacted the Mumbai Police helpline seeking assistance.

Police personnel reportedly arrived at the location and reviewed the evidence presented by the complainant. Gujral alleged that officers attempted to contact the owner but were informed that he was out of the city.

The complainant further alleged that staff members initially refused to provide details of the outlet’s Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) licence. According to him, the licence number was only provided after police intervention.

In another serious allegation, Gujral claimed that during the inspection, bees were observed inside a refrigerator where paneer products were being stored. These allegations could not be independently verified at the time of publishing.

As the complainant insisted on filing an official complaint, police reportedly escorted members of the outlet staff to Mulund Police Station for further inquiry. The outlet remained closed during this period, according to eyewitnesses present at the scene.

When contacted, police personnel reportedly informed the complainant that matters relating to food contamination and food safety primarily fall under the jurisdiction of the health authorities and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).

Gujral stated that he intends to pursue the matter further with the BMC and relevant food safety authorities.

“I will continue to follow up with the concerned departments to ensure that appropriate action is taken if any violations are found. Customer safety cannot be compromised,” he said.

The incident has once again highlighted the importance of maintaining proper hygiene standards in food establishments and ensuring that customer grievances are handled promptly and professionally. Consumer rights advocates note that food businesses are expected to comply with FSSAI regulations, maintain hygienic storage conditions, and cooperate with customers and authorities when complaints arise.

As of the time of publication, the management of Punjabi Paneer had not issued an official statement regarding the allegations. The publication will be happy to carry the outlet’s response and version of events should it wish to comment.

The matter is expected to be taken up with the BMC’s health department and food safety officials for further examination.