Hyderabad's Dining Establishments Undergo Rigorous Inspections: Uncovering Food Safety Violations

The Telangana Food Safety Department's task force conducted a series of inspections in and around Sagar X Road, Hyderabad, on October 9 and 10, 2024, uncovering various food safety violations at local dining establishments. The findings shed light on the importance of maintaining strict hygiene and compliance standards in the city's thriving food industry.

Ensuring Safe and Wholesome Dining Experiences for Hyderabad's Residents

Unsanitary Conditions Discovered at Urban Maya Bazar – Family Bar & Kitchen

The task force's inspection at Urban Maya Bazar – Family Bar & Kitchen revealed several concerning issues. House flies were found inside the kitchen, indicating a lack of proper pest control measures. The back doors were not fitted closely, allowing easy entry for pests. Dustbins were left open without lids, creating an inviting environment for insects and rodents. The team also discovered that food stored in the refrigerator lacked proper labeling, making it difficult to ensure food safety and traceability.Furthermore, the officials uncovered the use of synthetic food colors in non-vegetarian dishes, which raised concerns about the authenticity and quality of the food being served. The restaurant had also failed to display a true copy of its FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) license, a crucial requirement for food establishments. Additionally, the team found that the restaurant did not have medical fitness certificates for its food handlers or water analysis reports for the water used in food preparation, both of which are essential for maintaining food safety standards.

Expired Licenses and Pest Infestations Discovered at The Tree Stories

The task force's inspection at The Tree Stories, a cafe in the same neighborhood, revealed even more alarming issues. The establishment was found to be operating with an expired FSSAI license, a clear violation of food safety regulations. The team also discovered expired baked beans and besan (chickpea flour) in the kitchen, which were promptly discarded.The inspection further uncovered the presence of rat feces in the storeroom, indicating a potential rat infestation on the premises. The windows did not have insect-proof screens, and the doors were not fitted closely, allowing easy access for pests. The team also noted that the food items stored in the refrigerator were not properly covered or labeled, compromising food safety and traceability.

Addressing Concerns at The Avenue Bar & Kitchen

The task force's inspection at The Avenue Bar & Kitchen on Sagar X Road revealed relatively fewer issues compared to the other establishments. However, the team did observe that the back door of the kitchen was not closely fitted, potentially allowing pests to enter. Additionally, some of the food items stored in the refrigerator lacked proper labeling, making it difficult to ensure food safety and traceability. The team also noted the absence of water analysis reports for the RO (reverse osmosis) water used as an ingredient in the food preparation, a crucial requirement for maintaining food safety standards.

Ongoing Efforts to Ensure Food Safety in Hyderabad

The state-level task force has been actively inspecting restaurants and other eating establishments across Hyderabad, including in the Secunderabad area. Recent raids on Blue Sea Tea And Snacks and Sree Sai Balaji Foods have uncovered additional food safety violations, highlighting the need for continuous vigilance and enforcement to protect the city's residents.The findings from these inspections underscore the importance of strict adherence to food safety regulations and the need for regular monitoring and enforcement by the authorities. By addressing these issues, the Telangana Food Safety Department aims to ensure that Hyderabad's thriving food industry provides safe and wholesome dining experiences for its residents and visitors alike.