Following numerous complaints from consumers about supermarkets, bakeries, and hotels selling unfit food, the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) has increased inspections at these establishments. Samples have been collected and sent for testing in laboratories. If the outlets are found to be violating the regulations, GHMC will take strong action.
Recently, there have been several complaints about packed food being sold as stale or expired. On Friday, a branch of Reliance Retail in Hyderabad was inspected by GHMC. The inspection was carried out by Bhanu Teja Goud, the Food Safety Officer (FSO) of GHMC. Samples were collected from the branch for further analysis.
GHMC has conducted inspections at various outlets in Hyderabad, including Vijaya Milk Parlour, Karachi Bakery, Alpha Bakery, and others. At Karachi Bakery in Banjara Hills, an inspection was conducted by B Srivenaka, FSO of the Khairtabad circle of GHMC. Suspected samples were collected for analysis and an inspection report was submitted.
After receiving a complaint about Alpha Hotel in Secunderabad serving stale food in unhygienic conditions, the GHMC Food Safety Wing inspected the premises and found several hygiene violations. Another inspection was carried out at an Osmania Biscuits manufacturing store, where stock worth Rs 36,000 was seized after a customer found a fly baked into one of the biscuits.
Narasimha, Senior Food Inspector at GHMC, stated that they have over 20 food inspectors who respond to complaints forwarded by the civic agency. A toll-free number, 040-21111111, has been provided for anyone wishing to raise a complaint. The officers check the quality of food, water, hygiene conditions, kitchen facilities, drainage systems, licenses, and the medical fitness certificates of servers, among other things.
Food samples are categorized as unsafe, substandard, or misbranded. If a food sample is deemed unsafe, criminal charges will be filed and the establishment owners will be sent to jail. For substandard and misbranded food, a fine of up to Rs 5 lakh will be imposed.
