Food Safety Raids Uncover Severe Violations at JNTU Sultanpur and Kukatpally Campuses Recent raids by the Food Safety Department of Telangana uncovered severe food safety violations at the Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University (JNTU) Sultanpur and Kukatpally campuses. At the Sultanpur campus, officials found infested maida flour and fungal-infested vegetables, unhygienic conditions in the kitchen and dining areas, and food handlers without proper attire or medical records. Similarly, the Kukatpally campus raid revealed unsanitary kitchen conditions, improper food storage, and a lack of pest control measures. Notices have been issued to both campuses, emphasizing the need for immediate corrective actions to ensure compliance with food safety standards.
Food Safety Raids Uncover Severe Violations at JNTU Sultanpur and Kukatpally Campuses
Food Safety Department Cracks Down on Unhygienic Conditions
Hyderabad: In a significant crackdown on food safety violations, the Food Safety Department of Telangana conducted raids at the Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University (JNTU) Sultanpur campus in Sangareddy on June 28. This raid follows similar inspections at the JNTU campus in Kukatpally, Hyderabad, revealing alarming lapses in hygiene and food safety standards.
Disturbing Findings at Sultanpur Campus
The inspection at the Sultanpur campus unearthed several grave violations in the canteen’s kitchen. The Food Safety Department reported finding 15 kilograms of maida flour infested with black beetles, and 25 kilograms of fungal-infested vegetables, both of which were promptly discarded.
“Storeroom found to be unhygienic with rodents and excessive presence of rat excreta. The kitchen, wash area, and dining area were found to be in unhygienic conditions. Food handlers were found without head caps, aprons, and medical records. RO water plant found to be not working. Notice has been issued. Further action will be taken accordingly,” stated the department.
Previous Raids at Kukatpally Campus
Just days earlier, on June 26, the department had conducted a similar raid at the JNTU campus in Kukatpally, Hyderabad, and a hypermarket in the same locality. The findings were equally disturbing, with multiple food safety violations identified.
The inspection at the hypermarket revealed expired food items and infested products in the bakery unit, all of which were discarded. At the JNTU Kukatpally canteen, the conditions were found to be unsanitary, with semi-prepared food items and cut vegetables left open without proper labeling, and food waste carelessly thrown on the floor.
Unhygienic Practices and Safety Violations
Both inspections highlighted a concerning trend of negligence towards basic hygiene and safety protocols. The Sultanpur raid exposed the presence of rodent infestation and excessive rat excreta in storerooms, while food handlers were found without essential protective gear such as head caps, aprons, and gloves. Furthermore, the RO water plant was non-functional, compounding the risk of contamination.
At the Kukatpally campus, similar issues were noted, including the absence of insect-proof screens in the kitchen and inadequate pest control measures. The canteen also lacked a proper Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) license, and there were no records of medical fitness for food handlers or pest control activities.
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Implications and Next Steps
The findings from these raids underscore the urgent need for stricter enforcement of food safety regulations within educational institutions. The presence of unhygienic conditions and the lack of proper food handling practices pose serious health risks to students and staff.
The Food Safety Department has issued notices to both campuses, signaling the commencement of further action to rectify these violations. The authorities are expected to implement corrective measures to ensure compliance with food safety standards and prevent such lapses in the future.
These recent raids at JNTU’s Sultanpur and Kukatpally campuses have shed light on significant food safety issues that need immediate attention. The Food Safety Department’s proactive measures aim to safeguard public health and ensure that educational institutions adhere to the highest standards of hygiene and food safety. As the situation develops, it remains crucial for all stakeholders to prioritize the well-being of students and staff by maintaining rigorous food safety practices.
