Telangana Food Safety Raids Uncover Lapses in Hyderabad Eateries
Telangana Food Safety Team Uncovers 83 Raids in 42 Days, the Telangana Commissioner of Food Safety’s task force conducted inspections across Hyderabad and surrounding districts. Over a six-week period, from April 16th to May 27th, 2024, the team inspected a staggering 83 restaurants and eateries. The inspections revealed concerning lapses in hygiene and food safety protocols, prompting stricter enforcement measures from June 1st onwards.
Widespread Violations in Popular Eateries
The inspections targeted establishments within the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) limits, with a focus on popular restaurants and eateries. Alarmingly, 68 out of the inspected businesses exhibited violations. Deputy food controller (Telangana) T Vijay Kumar reported serious offenses, including serving stale meat and vegetables, expired food items, and unhygienic kitchen conditions.
The list of offending establishments included well-known names like KFC, Paradise Food Court, Rameshwaram Cafe, and several others. This highlights the pervasiveness of the issue and underscores the importance of stringent food safety regulations.
Inspections Reveal Unsanitary Conditions and Adulteration
The task force meticulously examined restaurants for adherence to food safety regulations. They identified concerning practices such as adulteration, improper food handling, and lack of proper licensing. Additionally, inspectors discovered outdated or unlabeled food items, heavily infested flour, and a concerning lack of medical fitness certificates at some eateries.
Furthermore, inspections revealed troubling hygiene issues in several kitchens, including open windows and clogged drains. These unsanitary conditions pose a significant health risk to consumers.
Increased Vigilance Across Telangana Districts
The crackdown extended beyond Hyderabad. Following the commissioner’s directive, food safety officials intensified inspections in Khammam, Karimnagar, Medchal, Rangareddy, and Bhadradri districts from May 26th onwards. These inspections uncovered instances of synthetic colors in food, spoiled meat, and unsanitary storage practices.
Public Complaints Prompt Task Force Initiative
When questioned about the surge in inspections, Vijay Kumar attributed it to the new food safety commissioner, RV Karnan. Upon assuming office in March 2024, Commissioner Karnan received a surge of public complaints regarding poor food quality and unsanitary conditions in eateries. Taking these concerns seriously, he established a dedicated task force to enforce food safety regulations and safeguard public health.
How are Inspections Conducted and What are the Penalties?
The task force conducts regular inspections, averaging four per day in Hyderabad. They prioritize establishments based on public complaints and tip-offs. During inspections, they collect samples of questionable food items for laboratory analysis.
Based on the lab reports, penalties range from Rs 3 lakh for poor hygiene to Rs 5 lakh for serving subpar food or lacking proper labeling. The enforcement of these fines will commence on June 1st, 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Have any restaurants been shut down as a result of the inspections?
A: As of now, no restaurants have been shut down. However, following lab analysis, fines will be imposed on offending establishments starting from June 1st.
Q: How can I report a restaurant with suspected food safety violations?
A: You can report concerns to the Telangana Food Safety department through their official channels or contact your local food safety officer.
Q: What should I do if I fall sick after eating at a restaurant?
A: If you suspect foodborne illness, seek medical attention immediately and report the incident to the food safety department.
