Hyderabad: The Telangana Food Safety Department conducted raids on hostels and PGs in Hyderabad’s Madhapur area on June 16, uncovering significant food safety and hygiene violations.
These violations highlight serious concerns about the health and safety standards being followed by hostel and PG operators in Hyderabad. The Food Safety Department’s findings stress the need for stricter enforcement and compliance to protect public health.
Hostels and PGs in Hyderabad Under Scrutiny for Food Safety Violations
The Telangana Food Safety Department extended its recent series of inspections from restaurants to hostels and Paying Guest (PG) accommodations in Hyderabad. On Sunday, June 16, officials conducted raids in the Madhapur area, uncovering numerous food safety and hygiene violations at several facilities.
Major Violations Discovered
During the inspections, officials identified significant lapses in hygiene and safety standards. The Sri Lakshmi PG Hostel in Kavuri Hills was found to be operating without the required Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) license. “Vegetables (cauliflower and ladies’ finger) were found to be infested with pests. The dosa pan was found to be rusted. The work area was observed to be unhygienic. Improper storage: rice and dals are stored along with mattresses,” stated a department press release. Additionally, the department conducted spot tests for water and tomato sauce in their mobile testing unit, finding the parameters acceptable. However, samples of loose chilli powder and Bengal gram were collected on suspicion of adulteration.
Unsanitary Conditions Pervasive
At VG Homestay in Madhapur, officials noted similar infractions, including the absence of an FSSAI license. The inspection report highlighted the use of food colors, unsanitary storage of raw materials and vegetables, and the unhygienic state of the refrigerator. Workers were also found without hairnets, posing a further contamination risk. Spot tests for drinking water, vinegar, chilli sauce, and tomato sauce yielded acceptable results, but loose chilli powder was sampled for potential adulteration.
Expired Products and Poor Hygiene
Narayana Society at Sy No. 11/20, Madhapur, was found to have expired products. “Expired white gravy (2kg) and chopp masala (2kg) were found. No Food Safety Training and Certification (FOSTAC) supervisor among the staff. The dosa pan found to be unhygienic and rusted,” officials reported. Multiple hygiene issues were observed, including an untidy grinding area and open drainage. The garbage storage area and wash area were also in poor condition.
Similarly, at Narayana Medical Academy, Sy No. 11/51, Madhapur, the establishment was operating without an FSSAI license. “No FOSTAC supervisor among the employees. Found water dispensers base to be rusted. The serving area was found to be unclean,” the report added.
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Implications for Public Health
The extensive violations uncovered during these raids raise serious concerns about the standards being maintained by hostel and PG operators in Hyderabad. The findings point to a disregard for the health and safety of residents, prompting calls for stricter enforcement and compliance with food safety regulations.
Public health advocates argue that the findings highlight a systemic issue that requires immediate attention. Ensuring food safety in such accommodations is crucial, given that many residents rely on these facilities for their daily meals. The authorities are expected to take stringent action against violators and enhance monitoring to prevent such lapses in the future.
The ongoing inspections by the Telangana Food Safety Department serve as a reminder of the importance of maintaining high standards of hygiene and safety, particularly in establishments that cater to large groups of people. The department’s proactive approach in conducting these raids and identifying violations is a step towards safeguarding public health and ensuring that business owners prioritize the well-being of their customers.
