Hyderabad: The Food Safety Department of Telangana has been actively working to ensure that restaurants and eateries maintain proper hygiene. Recently, the department’s Task Force has conducted raids in the Old City after receiving multiple complaints about unsanitary conditions and food safety violations.
During these raids, officials found several issues, including live cockroaches on the premises of some eateries. The raids focused on places like Hotel Fiza and Baker, Sukha Sagar Udipi Veg, and Shaheen Mandi, an Arabian restaurant. All three were found to have violated important health and safety standards.
At Hotel Fiza and Baker in Bahadurpura, the team discovered that the refrigerator was in a very dirty condition. The food items inside were not properly covered or labelled. Additionally, windows and doors were left open, allowing pests to enter the kitchen. The team also found suspected leftover food in the fridge, and food handlers were not wearing proper protective gear, like hair caps and aprons.
Similarly, at Sukha Sagar Udipi Veg, officials found live cockroaches in the storeroom. The area around the washing station had stagnant sewage water, and the drain was left open. The ceiling in the dining area was damaged due to water leaks. Additionally, food items were not labelled correctly, and staff were not wearing the required protective gear.
Shaheen Mandi was found to be operating without necessary health certificates and pest control records. There was also significant water stagnation near the washing area. The officials discovered synthetic food colors suspected to be used in non-vegetarian dishes, which were discarded. Leftover food was also found and removed. Like the other locations, food handlers were not following basic hygiene practices such as wearing hair caps, aprons, and gloves.
The Food Safety Department continues its efforts to ensure that eateries across the city comply with health regulations to protect public health.