Madurai: Regular visitors to the Amma canteen in Thiruparankundram have expressed outrage over the deteriorating standards in food quality and highly unhygienic conditions. The widespread complaints prompted Madurai corporation to undertake an inspection and cleanup operation late on Monday evening.
“Even if this food were given for free, no one would eat it,” lamented a frustrated customer. “The quality has dropped to such an awful, disgusting level,” he added. Customers can be seen dumping their food after a few bites, unable to digest it.
“Amma canteens serve an important function for those that cannot afford food at restaurant prices. The quality of food should not be poor just because of the low prices,” Sridevi, a customer at the canteen said.
Earlier this month, Madurai corporation commissioner and senior corporation officials undertook an inspection following complaints of poor quality of food, but the complaints persisted. So, corporation undertook another inspection on Monday.
A senior corporation official said that a thorough inspection of the Amma canteen was conducted, and the area was cleaned. “Following the complaints received by customers, the waste in the area was properly cleaned and canteen staff were instructed to maintain high standards of quality for both hygiene and food preparation,” the official said. He added that drinking water and handwash facilities will be repaired or reinstalled in the coming week.
