The mystery surrounding a momo factory in Mohali appears to have reached a resolution as investigations confirmed that the meat used in their popular dumplings is indeed goat and not dog head, as initially speculated. The revelations came on March 23, 2025, following inspections prompted by concerns from a food safety officer.
Factory owners, identified as Arzudeen and Joginderpal Singh, have come under scrutiny and were booked for violations two days after a raid on their establishment. This raid, which took place on March 21, was initiated based on a complaint questioning the sanitation and hygiene standards at the cooking site. While authorities have confirmed the meat's origin, further investigations are reportedly ongoing regarding potential animal cruelty charges.
Deputy Commissioner (DC) Komal Mittal disclosed that the inspection at the Mataur-based food unit was set in motion after receiving intel about specific violations. During the inspection, representatives from the Food Safety and Municipal Corporation teams found not only grave violations of hygiene but also collected a sample of the meat for analysis. According to Mittal, "The sample collected from the kitchen of the Mataur-based unit preparing street food...is goat meat." This was verified after approximately half a kilogram of meat was recovered and scrutinized, showing dimensions of ten inches and six inches.
The investigation into the factory is part of a larger initiative aimed at ensuring food safety across the region. In response to federal health directives, the Punjab Vigilance Bureau has initiated a comprehensive inspection drive in Kharar, under the instruction of the state government. The operation, led by the Mohali unit together with the Food Safety Wing, has set out to enforce strict compliance with existing food safety regulations.
As part of this drive, the joint team conducted surprise inspections at multiple food manufacturing units, restaurants, and vending stalls throughout Kharar. Out of five premises inspected, officials issued one unhygienic challan and collected five food samples for laboratory analysis. This move, as stated by authorities, aims to protect the interests of the general public and ensure that food served is not only safe but also hygienic.
Following the findings, DC Komal Mittal assured that actions aimed at vendors preparing or cooking food in unsanitary conditions will not only continue, but will also intensify. She emphasized the stance taken by local government to safeguard public health, claiming, "Action against the vendors preparing/cooking food in unhygienic and filthy conditions will continue through Food Safety and Municipal Corporation teams." This proactive approach indicates that additional measures and investigations are on the horizon, aiming to foster a culture of food safety within the community.
The developments following the raid on the momo factory in Mohali highlight a significant concern regarding public health and food standards in the burgeoning street food industry. As allegations around food practices continue to evolve, the local government has motivated numerous inspections in an attempt to eradicate unsafe cooking practices and enhance consumer awareness.
This commitment to accountability and safety points to a growing recognition of the importance of maintaining public health standards. The community is encouraged to remain vigilant and report any deviations from acceptable food hygiene practices. As future inspections are planned, officials are hopeful that they will uphold the integrity of food safety in the area, ensuring that local delicacies remain untainted and trustworthy.
