Food safety authorities in Telangana have uncovered serious violations at 23 establishments during recent inspections across the state. The Telangana Standards Authority for Food and Essential Drugs (TG SAFE) announced on September 10 that a special drive covering 46 establishments revealed widespread hygiene lapses, including spoiled meat, contaminated vegetables, and pest infestations.
The raids targeted restaurants, bakeries, dhabas, hotels, sweet shops, and hostels in various districts outside the Core Urban Region. Food Safety Officers discovered multiple violations including cockroach, housefly, and rodent infestations. Officials also noted unhygienic premises and significant lapses in maintaining mandatory records at several locations.
Inspectors found refrigerators in unclean conditions without proper segregation of vegetarian and non-vegetarian food items. Expired food articles and products with pest infestation were discovered at some establishments. Food handlers at multiple locations were not maintaining proper hygiene standards, and several facilities lacked appropriate food labelling systems.
During the inspections, TG SAFE collected 22 samples on suspicion of adulteration for laboratory testing. Spoiled and rotten vegetables along with other food articles showing pest infestation were immediately discarded on the spot to prevent their use or sale to consumers.
The food safety authority will issue improvement notices to the 23 establishments found violating norms. These facilities will be revisited to verify compliance with food safety regulations. Further action will be taken based on the findings of the reinspection visits, according to official statements.
Three establishments face immediate suspension of their Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) licences and have been instructed to stop business operations in the interest of public health. The affected establishments are Mahendra Meals, Biryani and Curry Point in Ghanpur Station, Sri Balaji Magic Mithai in Baopet, Karimnagar, and Cha Cha Family Dabha on NH-65 in Tupranpet, Choutuppal, Yadadri Bhuvanagiri district.
