Think your restaurant is clean? Check these 4 things before ordering

Eating at a restaurant is often about the food, ambience and experience. But Maharashtra's food-safety authorities are also drawing attention to what diners should check before placing an order.

With the state stepping up inspections, recent checks have flagged issues such as poor hygiene, pest infestations and other food-safety violations. Maharashtra FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe has highlighted four things customers can keep in mind while eating out.

Don't order more just because it looks tempting

Restaurant menus are designed to make dishes look irresistible. But Mundhe's first advice is to be mindful of how much you order.

A meal loaded with fried starters, rich gravies, desserts and sugary drinks can quickly become excessive. Instead of ordering several heavy dishes simply because they look appealing, diners can consider portions and what else is already on the table.

The idea is simple: enjoy your favourite food without letting the menu dictate how much you eat.

Take a quick look around

You don't have to inspect a restaurant like a food-safety official, but your surroundings can offer useful clues.

Check whether tables and serving areas are clean and whether handwashing facilities are available. If the kitchen can be seen, notice whether it appears organised and properly maintained.

Dirty surfaces, pests, overflowing waste or careless food handling can be warning signs. FSSAI's hygiene framework also covers areas such as cleanliness, pest control, handwashing, ventilation, food storage and food handling.

Check the FSSAI licence

Another detail diners can look for is the restaurant's FSSAI licence or registration.

Food businesses are required to obtain the appropriate FSSAI licence or registration depending on their operation. The hygiene framework also provides for the licence or registration and Food Safety Display Board to be displayed prominently.

Checking these details can give customers basic information about whether the establishment operates within the food-safety regulatory system.

Pick food based on who is eating

The same meal may not suit everyone. Children and older people can have different nutritional and dietary requirements.

Families, in particular, can look beyond what a child wants to eat and consider whether the meal includes nutritious choices.

Ultimately, Mundhe's four checks focus on awareness rather than avoiding restaurants. A little attention to hygiene, licensing, portions and individual needs can help diners make more informed choices.