A team from the Telangana Food Safety Department raided several popular mandi restaurants in Hyderabad on Friday. During their inspections, they found serious food safety violations.
The officials visited restaurants in Khairatabad and Banjara Hills, including Mandi 36 Arabian Kitchen. They discovered that many of these restaurants did not have important records, such as pest control reports, water quality test results, and employee health documents. Additionally, the restaurants lacked FoSTaC certificates, which are required for food safety training.
The inspection also revealed poor hygiene conditions. Some refrigerators were in bad shape, with broken shelves. Water droplets were dripping onto uncovered food, increasing the risk of contamination. Raw and cooked foods were stored together, which is unsafe. The kitchen floors were damaged, food waste was scattered around, and several drains were clogged.
At Mandi 36 Arabian Kitchen in Banjara Hills, the inspectors found that food handlers were not trained in food safety. The kitchen staff used iron knives, which are considered unsafe. The grilling pans were greasy and dirty. Additionally, food stored in the refrigerator had no labels, making it difficult to tell if it was still safe to eat.
These findings highlight the need for restaurants in Hyderabad to follow food safety regulations. Ensuring proper hygiene not only protects public health but also helps maintain customer trust.
