In a surprise raid Wednesday evening, one of the most upscale five-star hotels here, Taj, was found grossly violating guidelines of the Chandigarh health and excise and taxation department.

The raid was jointly conducted by senior officials of Chandigarh health and excise and taxation department. Taj authorities were also issued two tickets (challans) for violating various norms, prescribed by the administration.

'Standard of hygiene required to be maintained in the cooking and storage areas were found to be lacking. The cooking utensils and their lids were very dirty and the tinning and enamelling of the cooking utensils was not found to be carried out,' said the official spokesperson of the administration here Wednesday evening.

'Already served food, which should be immediately discarded, was kept with the food to be served. Prepared cold coffee was stored in the deep freezer and dustbins, full of garbage, were kept right next to the places where vegetables, fruit and meat were being cut,' said the spokesperson.

The inspection team took four samples of prepared food that has been sent to the laboratory for tests and Taj authorities have been challaned under the provisions of the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954.

Hotel Taj was also found violating the excise and taxation rules.

'They have not maintained proper records. An underage boy was found serving liquor in the bar. They have been challaned under provisions of the Punjab Excise Act, 1914,' stated the spokesperson.