Severed dog head found in fridge of momo factory in Punjab's Mohali, probe launched

The District Health Officer (DHO), who inspected two sites linked to the case, confirmed multiple food safety violations.

Authorities in Mohali have launched a full-scale investigation after a dog’s severed head was discovered inside a refrigerator during a raid on a fast-food factory in Mattaur. The discovery was made during a crackdown on unhygienic food production, prompting officials to seize and destroy large quantities of contaminated food.

On Sunday, health officials raided a factory supplying momos and spring rolls across Chandigarh, Panchkula, and Kalka. The action was taken following multiple complaints about the unsanitary conditions in which the food was being prepared. Reports had surfaced online, with locals posting videos alleging that workers were using dirty water and spoiled vegetables in food production.

During the raid, officials discovered large quantities of chopped meat, a crusher machine, and reused cooking oil. However, the most disturbing find was the severed head of what appeared to be a pug inside a fridge. The body of the animal was missing, raising concerns over whether dog meat had been used in food preparation or consumed by the factory workers.

The head was sent to the veterinary department for testing to determine if dog meat had been incorporated into food items.

If you eat Momos and Spring Rolls from street food vendors in Mohali, make sure to watch this video! Visuals from Mataur, Mohali, show locals raiding a place where momos and spring rolls were being prepared. These items were being supplied to various fast food stalls across pic.twitter.com/r5nnGgymSj
Gagandeep Singh (@Gagan4344) March 16, 2025

According to reports, the factory had been running for the past two years without proper registration and was owned by an individual who also operated a bakery in the area. Despite previous complaints, the facility continued operations until the recent crackdown.

Health officials confirmed that the factory produced over a quintal of momos and spring rolls daily, distributing them across the region. The premises were found to be in violation of multiple hygiene and food safety regulations.

The crackdown extended into Monday when the Municipal Corporation’s medical team raided several chicken shops in Mattaur. Nearly 60 kg of foul-smelling frozen chicken was seized and destroyed as part of the operation. Samples of momos, spring rolls, and chutney were also collected from the factory and sent for lab testing.

Authorities revealed that around eight to ten workers, all reportedly from Nepal, were employed at the factory. Following the raid, all employees absconded, prompting officials to launch a search operation to track them down.

The District Health Officer (DHO), who inspected two sites linked to the case, confirmed multiple food safety violations. The vendors operating the establishment were unregistered, and legal action has been recommended against the factory owner.

Mohali Civil Surgeon Dr Sangita Jaina confirmed that a written report has been submitted to the Deputy Commissioner and the police.

"Once the report is reviewed, necessary legal steps will be taken," she stated.

Assistant Food Safety Commissioner Dr Amrit Warring also confirmed that the police had been notified and that further action would depend on the lab test results.