The Food Safety Department of West Bengal has stepped up inspections at restaurants and eateries across the state to check whether food safety rules and hygiene standards are being followed. The inspections have brought several food establishments under scrutiny, including Kolkata’s popular Arsalan Restaurant and Caterer.
Following a recent inspection and concerns surrounding its Achari Kebab, the restaurant has now responded to questions over the safety and quality of its food. Arsalan has maintained that the distinctive tangy aroma and taste of the kebab come from its achari-style marinade, while reaffirming its food-safety, hygiene and sourcing practices.
What did Arsalan say about its Achari Kebab?
According to Arsalan, the tangy and pickled smell and flavour of the Achari Kebab are part of the recipe. The restaurant said the aroma of the marinade should not be taken as proof that the meat or poultry used in the dish has spoiled.
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In a statement addressing the issue, Arsalan COO Hamza Ahsan said food safety and hygiene have always been part of the restaurant’s day-to-day operations, rather than measures introduced only after an inspection.
Addressing the concerns over the Achari Kebab, Ahsan said, “the tangy and pickled aroma is an inherent characteristic of the achari-style marinade and is reflective of the recipe itself, and should not be misconstrued as an indication of spoilage.” He added that Arsalan regularly procures meat, poultry, fish, dairy and eggs throughout the year, while its spices are sourced from FSSAI-approved companies.
Ahsan further said the restaurant conducts regular food-safety briefings and training for its teams. He noted that Arsalan is now strengthening these systems through enhanced compliance checks, supply-chain audits and mandatory third-party hygiene and quality audits across its kitchens.
“We value the trust our patrons have placed in Arsalan for over two decades, and we remain committed to serving them the best in food quality, hygiene and safety, every single day,” he said.
How does Arsalan handle its food supplies?
The restaurant said that its outlets depend on frequent procurement because of the volume of food prepared and consumed each day. Perishable ingredients are generally used on the same day, while some items may be stored for one to two days when necessary.
Arsalan also said its staff receive periodic food-safety and hygiene briefings covering proper food handling and related practices.
What is Arsalan doing after the inspection?
As part of its efforts to tighten food-safety practices, Arsalan plans to introduce additional compliance checks and supply-chain audits across its outlets. Its kitchens will also undergo mandatory third-party hygiene and quality audits, adding another layer of oversight to its existing processes.
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On the inspection itself, the management maintained that it respects the role of regulatory authorities and does not intend to contradict the department’s findings. It will follow instructions issued by the concerned authorities and continue to cooperate with applicable food-safety requirements.
For customers asking, “Is Arsalan’s food safe to eat?”, the restaurant’s latest statement sets out its position on the Achari Kebab, sourcing practices, food handling and the additional safety measures it plans to introduce.