Pune: Airport authorities have temporarily closed a food outlet inside the terminal after a video of a cockroach crawling among food items on display surfaced on social media.Santosh Dhoke, director of Pune Airport, told TOI that a popular cafe was temporarily closed by Balaji Caterers, the master concessionaire managing all airport food outlets.“Following the video that surfaced on social media, Balaji Caterers suspended the outlet’s operations with immediate effect. It also imposed a hefty penalty on the brand and ordered deep cleaning and pest-control measures,” Dhoke told TOI.Dhoke said the outlet would undergo an internal audit after deep cleaning and pest-control measures, and would reopen only if it cleared the inspection. “There can be no compromise on hygiene and food quality at airport food outlets. The outlet will resume operations only after the required checks are completed,” he said.The video, widely shared on X (formerly Twitter) and other social media platforms, was posted by the handle ‘@PuneDistrict’. It showed a cockroach crawling among food items in the outlet’s display case. The post, which tagged state FDA commissioner Tukaram Mundhe, alleged poor hygiene at the outlet and its other branches.The video garnered over 10,000 likes and triggered a wave of criticism over hygiene. The date of the incident, however, remains unclear.Pune airport has around 16 food outlets inside the terminal. Dhoke had earlier told TOI that regular and surprise inspections are conducted to monitor hygiene and food safety standards. Airport sources said all outlets would now face tighter scrutiny.Flyers welcomed the action, saying strict hygiene standards are essential given the steep prices at airport eateries. “Food at airports is extremely expensive. A simple sandwich can cost Rs400-500. My wife and I once bought a sandwich and water, and the bill was around Rs1,000. If cockroaches are found around food, it is a serious concern for passengers,” said Jayant Nathgune, an IT professional and frequent flyer.He added that UDAN Yatri Cafe offers affordable snacks and beverages, but passengers cannot access it after check-in and security clearance because it is located on the ground floor.
