Hyderabad: Warning for Sweet Lovers Ahead of Diwali
As Diwali approaches, Telangana Food Safety officials have issued a warning to sweet lovers. The officials recently inspected popular sweet shops across the state and found several violations of safety norms. These inspections are part of a special drive to prevent the sale of adulterated food products during the festive season.
A team of food safety officers raided various sweet shops and outlets, including Delhi Mithaiwala, Agra Sweets, Vithuna Foods, and Vasi Reddy Home Foods. Most of these shops were found not complying with hygiene and safety standards, especially in the districts.
At Delhi Mithaiwala, inspectors found rat droppings in the storeroom racks. The kitchen had open dustbins, and its doors and windows lacked insect-proof screens. The shop also failed to provide medical fitness certificates, water analysis reports, and trained supervisors.
In Agra Sweets, the food handlers were not wearing the required head caps, gloves, or aprons. Inspectors discovered expired chivda and bhel, which were immediately disposed of in the open. They also found unlabelled, ready-to-eat savoury foods. Shockingly, the shop was operating without a proper state license.
Vithuna Foods and Vasi Reddy Home Foods also had serious issues. Neither shop had a pest control record, and food handlers were not wearing the proper safety apparel. Additionally, Vasi Reddy Home Foods was found to be operating with only an FSSAI registration instead of the required state license, and the registration copy was not displayed. Unlabelled ready-to-eat savoury foods and pickles were also found in storage, raising more concerns.
Food safety officials have advised consumers to be cautious when buying sweets for Diwali. They recommend checking the hygiene of shops and ensuring that safety standards are being followed.
The food safety team also inspected Nanking restaurant on Monday. They found the refrigerators in poor condition, with broken doors and lids. Raw and cooked food items were stored together, and the kitchen was filled with houseflies due to uncovered dustbins and an open drain. Similar to the sweet shops, the restaurant lacked medical fitness certificates, water analysis reports, and trained supervisors.
In light of these findings, the officials urge everyone to stay alert and prioritize food safety during the festive season.
