New Delhi, July 2025:
In a sweeping and unprecedented citywide crackdown, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has sealed more than 1,000 food establishments across the capital, targeting serious violations of hygiene and licensing norms. This major enforcement action, conducted between April 1 and June 30 under the “Sub-Food Hygiene Raid” initiative, spanned all 12 MCD zones and resulted in the collection of ₹78.7 lakh in fines and penalties.
The drive, spearheaded by the Health Department, is one of the largest food safety enforcement operations in Delhi’s recent history. Authorities inspected a staggering 5,040 food outlets, including meat shops, dhabas, juice corners, sweet shops, and restaurants. Among these, 1,029 outlets were found in violation of food safety, sanitation, or licensing rules and were subsequently sealed.
Alongside the closures, the MCD issued 3,107 notices and generated 1,038 challans against non-compliant establishments. The operation was focused heavily on unauthorised and unhygienic food outlets located in high-footfall zones, especially near schools, religious sites, and congested marketplaces.
Zone-Wise Action Breakdown
The Central Zone reported the highest number of actions, with 840 premises inspected, 237 outlets sealed, 381 notices issued, and 81 challans filed. This was followed closely by the West Zone, which conducted 640 inspections, sealed 157 units, and served 193 notices. In the South Zone, 561 outlets were inspected, with 151 sealed and 197 notices delivered.
The North and Rohini Zones also saw considerable action, each sealing over 60 units and serving multiple compliance notices. The crackdown extended uniformly across the remaining MCD zones, highlighting a coordinated, citywide enforcement push.
Fines and Penalties: A Detailed Breakdown
The enforcement initiative not only disrupted unsafe food practices but also delivered a significant financial impact. The MCD collected a total of ₹78,70,124 in fines during the three-month campaign. This includes:
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₹21,74,927 from property-related violations
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₹21,74,927 from health and sanitation challans
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₹6,66,270 from direct food safety violations
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₹27,54,000 from broader sanitation-related penalties
The West Zone emerged as the top revenue generator, followed by the South and Central Zones.
Focus on Public Health and Repeat Offenders
Officials stated that the primary goal of this initiative is to curb foodborne illnesses and ensure safer eating conditions for the general public. “We are acting decisively against food vendors who compromise on hygiene. The safety of citizens, especially school-going children and vulnerable populations, cannot be left to chance,” said a senior MCD health officer.
The drive also included follow-up inspections, identification of repeat offenders, and close coordination with the Food Safety Department to escalate legal action where necessary.
Strategic Focus Areas
The raid initiative zeroed in on hotspots where unregulated food operations often flourish—religious complexes, bus stands, schools, and weekly markets. Many of the penalized establishments were found operating without valid licenses, using unclean utensils, storing food unsafely, or lacking basic handwashing and waste disposal arrangements.
MCD officials emphasized that the hygiene raids were not merely punitive but also part of a broader public health strategy. Several vendors have since applied for food safety certification or sought training under FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) programs.
Political and Administrative Backing
The data and outcomes of this drive were officially presented during the Standing Committee meeting held on Wednesday, where senior officials endorsed expanding the initiative across coming quarters. Discussions are underway to introduce monthly hygiene inspections, real-time violation tracking, and citizen complaint integration into the municipal app.
What’s Next?
The MCD has signaled that more such drives are in the pipeline. Vendors and restaurant operators are being urged to regularize licenses, maintain sanitation, and follow prescribed food safety protocols.
As Delhi battles increasing instances of food contamination, the MCD’s aggressive campaign is a wakeup call for vendors and a strong assurance to citizens: unsafe food practices will not be tolerated.
