Momo factory sealed for filthy, unsafe conditions in Indore:150 kg food seized; illegal unit used excess Ajinomoto in unhygienic setup, unsafe for kids

In a shocking action against unsafe food practices, the District administration and food safety officers on Tuesday sealed a momo manufacturing factory Chintu Momos in Indore’s Khati Pura area after discovering it was operating in unhygienic conditions and using irregular quantities of Ajinomoto (monosodium glutamate), a substance known to be harmful to pregnant women and kids under 12 months. Filthy premises and harmful additives found During the surprise inspection, the FDA team found Chintu Momos Factory, operated by Deepak Chaurey, engaged in large-scale momo production for supply to several fast-food vendors across Indore. The inspection revealed severe hygiene violations, the factory floor was littered with waste, insects were found crawling around, and raw materials were stored in open, contaminated conditions. Officials also discovered large quantities of Ajinomoto being used in the momo fillings, far beyond permissible safety limits. Ajinomoto poses serious health risks to children According to Food Safety Officers, Ajinomoto was being directly added to the momo mixtures to enhance flavour. However, excessive intake of Ajinomoto, especially among pregnant women and children, can cause neurological and metabolic disorders, as well as symptoms such as headaches, nausea, and allergic reactions. The official stressed that such practices were a serious public health concern, given the wide distribution network of the factory’s products. 150 Kg of food seized; factory sealed immediately During the operation, the team seized around 150 kilograms of food materials, including four types of momos, mixed spices, cheese, tandoori masala, and Ajinomoto stock. In total, seven samples were collected and sent to the State Food Testing Laboratory in Bhopal for chemical analysis. Since the factory was found operating without a valid food manufacturing licence, and given the potential health hazards, the administration ordered the unit to be shut down with immediate effect. Legal action and further investigation Collector Shivam Verma confirmed that further legal action will be initiated once laboratory results are received from Bhopal. The administration will not tolerate any food business that puts public health, especially that of young children, at risk. he said. The crackdown comes amid a larger district-wide campaign against food adulteration and illegal food manufacturing units, as part of the state’s zero-tolerance policy on food safety violations. Food safety alert from Indore In a major crackdown on unsafe food practices, authorities sealed Chintu Momos Factory in Khati Pura after finding it operating in filthy, unhygienic conditions and using unsafe levels of Ajinomoto (MSG), harmful for pregnant children below 12 months.
Officials discovered insects, waste-littered floors, and open food storage, seizing nearly 150 kg of contaminated material. The factory was shut immediately for running without a valid licence.
Excessive Ajinomoto can cause neurological and metabolic issues in children.