In Telangana, a series of inspections were conducted by a special task force representing the Commissioner of Food Safety, targeting various restaurants, cloud kitchens, and dairy stores in and around Hyderabad. These inspections carried out in early August 2024, uncovered multiple violations related to food safety and hygiene, raising significant concerns about the standards maintained by these establishments.
Telanganaโs Food Safety Inspection Highlights Critical Issues
Task force team has conducted inspections in Malakpet area on 07.08.2024.
๐๐น ๐ฆ๐ฎ๐๐ฑ ๐๐ฎ๐ถ๐ ๐ฎ๐น ๐ ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ๐ถ, ๐ ๐ฎ๐น๐ฎ๐ธ๐ฝ๐ฒ๐
* Medical fitness certificates of the food handlers and pest control records were not available.
* Windows and doors were not close fitted withโฆ pic.twitter.com/LS3t1gUrrN
โ Commissioner of Food Safety, Telangana (@cfs_telangana) August 9, 2024
The task force found several serious violations at Al Saud Bait al Mandi, Malakpet, on August 7. The food items here were improperly labelled and uncovered. The use of synthetic food colours, which can pose health risks, was also noted. The team highlighted the lack of insect-proof screens on windows and doors, which resulted in a live cockroach infestation.
Similar violations were found at Capital Multicuisine Restaurant, Malakpet. The team didnโt find proper pest control measures and health certificates for staff. The kitchen was infested with cockroaches and house flies, and food was stored in unhygienic conditions.ย
During their visit on August 9, officials found that MoonBean Restaurant and Bar was operating with an expired FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) license. Additionally, the use of synthetic food colours and expired food items was noted. A cockroach infestation in the fridge and storeroom was also found here.
๐ง๐ถ๐ฝ๐๐ ๐ง๐ผ๐ฝ๐๐ ๐๐ฎ๐ธ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐, ๐๐ถ๐น๐๐๐ธ๐ต๐ป๐ฎ๐ด๐ฎ๐ฟ
09.08.2024* FSSAI license true copy was displayed at the premises.
* Jeera Biscuit packet was found to be expired in 2023 and hence discarded. Cauliflower stored inside refrigerator was found to be fungal infestedโฆ pic.twitter.com/BfXmSMYXPl
โ Commissioner of Food Safety, Telangana (@cfs_telangana) August 10, 2024
The inspection at Tipsy Topsy Bakers, Dilsukhnagar, led to the discarding of an expired pack of biscuits and a fungus-infected cauliflower. Several food items were found without manufacturing or expiry dates, indicating a lack of proper quality control. Furthermore, food handlers were not wearing gloves or caps.
Violations at Sahadeva Reddy Pure Ghee Sweets, Dilsukhnagar, included missing manufacturing and expiry dates on packed items. The team also seized 50 kg of chana dal. The establishment also lacked the necessary certificates, and its windows and doors were not fitted with insect-proof screens.
Synthetic Colours, Expired Foods, And Pest Infestations
๐ฆ๐ฎ๐ต๐ฎ๐ฑ๐ฒ๐๐ฎ ๐ฅ๐ฒ๐ฑ๐ฑ๐ ๐ฃ๐๐ฟ๐ฒ ๐๐ต๐ฒ๐ฒ ๐ฆ๐๐ฒ๐ฒ๐๐, ๐๐ถ๐น๐๐๐ธ๐ต๐ป๐ฎ๐ด๐ฎ๐ฟ
09.08.2024* FSSAI license true copy was displayed at the premises.
* Food handlers were found wearing haircaps and gloves.
* Food articles (packed) like Namkeen, Mixture, Pickles that wereโฆ pic.twitter.com/JtQG5DPuOI
โ Commissioner of Food Safety, Telangana (@cfs_telangana) August 10, 2024
The findings from these inspections highlight significant lapses in food safety and hygiene standards across multiple establishments in Hyderabad. The use of synthetic food colours and expired food items, coupled with poor pest control and unhygienic storage conditions, can lead to serious health risks for consumers.ย
In response to these violations, the task force has taken immediate actions, including discarding unsafe food items, seizing improperly labelled products, and highlighting the need for proper pest control and hygiene practices. The establishments involved are likely to face penalties. Their operations may be suspended until they comply with food safety regulations.
The Telangana Commissioner of Food Safety is expected to continue these inspections.
Cover Image Courtesy: Commissioner of Food Safety, Telangana/X
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