Dog’s severed head found in fridge at Momo factory, owner fined Rs.12,000

In a shocking discovery, health officials in Punjab’s Mohali found a dog’s severed head inside a fridge at a momo and spring roll factory during an inspection for unhygienic food practices. The unit, which has been supplying momo and spring rolls to Chandigarh, Panchkula, and Kalka for the past two years, is now under intense scrutiny from authorities.

The raid was conducted by the Mohali municipal corporation (MC) and district health department after they received complaints about the highly unsanitary conditions at the factory. A viral video exposing the filthy working environment prompted officials to take action. During the search, an officer discovered what appeared to be the severed head of a pug inside a refrigerator. Officials, however, clarified that there was no immediate evidence to suggest that the dog’s remains were being used in food production. According to reports, the factory workers, who are of Nepali origin, allegedly kept it for personal reasons.

Authorities have since sealed the premises and launched a detailed investigation. Food safety officials also collected samples of momo, spring rolls, sauces, and decayed meat from the unit. In addition, the dog’s remains were sent to the Veterinary Department to determine whether they had any connection to the factory’s food supply. The factory owner has been fined ₹12,000 for slaughter-related violations and another ₹10,000 for excessive plastic bag usage.

Mohali Municipal Corporation Commissioner Parminder Pal Singh confirmed the strict action taken against the unit. He stated that the inspection team was appalled by the unsanitary conditions in which food was being prepared. "Taking strong action against unhygienic conditions in the food unit, teams of the health department and MC raided the premises on Monday," he said.

The factory’s operations have been temporarily suspended, and officials are now waiting for lab reports to determine if any harmful substances were present in the food products. Authorities have also urged consumers to be cautious and avoid consuming momo and spring rolls from unknown sources until further notice.

This incident has sparked outrage among local residents, with many expressing concerns over food safety regulations and the lack of strict monitoring in such establishments. While health officials continue their investigation, the case has raised serious questions about hygiene standards in small-scale food production units.