Food safety raids in Hyderabad and Secunderabad uncover hygiene lapses, expired food, and unsanitary conditions in restaurants and bakeries. Learn more.
Hyderabad: A task force team from the Food Safety Department of Telangana conducted surprise raids at several eateries in Hyderabad and a bakery in Secunderabad, uncovering a series of violations related to hygiene, food quality, and storage practices. The findings have raised serious concerns about food safety standards in some of the city’s most frequented dining establishments.
Food Safety Raids in Hyderabad and Secunderabad Reveal Serious Violations
1. Golden Dragon Restaurant, Parklane, Secunderabad
- Expired Meat: 8 kg of raw chicken and 2 kg of leg boneless meat were found to be expired.
- Unhygienic Conditions: Refrigerators were dirty, and food items were unlabelled.
- Improper Storage: Veg and non-veg food articles were stored together.
- Food Handlers’ Safety: Staff were not using aprons, hair caps, or gloves, violating basic hygiene protocols.
2. Chillies Restaurant, Paradise Circle, Begumpet
- Pest Infestation: Live cockroaches were found in the kitchen area.
- Expired Food: Expired food articles were discovered during the inspection.
- Unsanitary Conditions: Clogged kitchen drains, patchy flooring, and littered food waste were reported.
- Improper Food Storage: Veg and non-veg food articles were stored together in refrigerators, posing a risk of cross-contamination.
3. Sarvi Restaurant and Bakery, Secunderabad
- Rusted Containers: Containers used for preparing cakes were found rusted.
- Unlabelled Products: Items like cashew biscuits, Osmania biscuits, and Bournvita biscuits were found without manufacturing or best-before dates.
- Unhygienic Refrigeration: Refrigerators were poorly maintained.
- Negligence by Staff: Food handlers were found without appropriate protective gear such as aprons, gloves, and hair caps.
Impact of Food Safety Violations
The raids have highlighted systemic lapses in maintaining hygiene and safety standards at eateries, posing a direct risk to public health. Common violations included:
- Cross-Contamination: Improper storage of veg and non-veg items in shared refrigeration spaces.
- Expired Food Usage: Serving expired raw materials to customers.
- Poor Hygiene: Staff negligence in adhering to basic hygiene practices.
- Unsanitary Kitchens: Clogged drains, pest infestations, and unclean surfaces.
Recurring Issues Despite Previous Raids
In recent months, the Food Safety Department has intensified inspections across Hyderabad and Secunderabad. However, repeated violations suggest that many eateries are either unable or unwilling to comply with food safety regulations.
A food safety official remarked,
“Despite repeated warnings and penalties, violations continue to surface, indicating the need for stricter enforcement and public awareness.”
The Importance of Food Safety Standards
Poor food safety practices can lead to severe consequences, including:
- Health Risks: Consuming expired or contaminated food can cause food poisoning and other illnesses.
- Loss of Trust: Restaurants and bakeries risk losing customer confidence if they fail to maintain standards.
- Legal Penalties: Repeat offenders could face fines, temporary closures, or revocation of licenses.
Next Steps and Recommendations
For Eateries
- Strict Adherence to Hygiene Protocols: Ensure food handlers use proper safety gear.
- Regular Maintenance: Clean and sanitize kitchens, refrigerators, and storage areas.
- Labeling and Documentation: Clearly label all food items with manufacturing and best-before dates.
- Training Programs: Conduct staff training on food safety and hygiene practices.
For Authorities
- Frequent Inspections: Increase the frequency of unannounced raids to ensure compliance.
- Public Awareness Campaigns: Educate consumers about their rights and the importance of food safety.
- Stricter Penalties: Impose heavier fines or suspend licenses for repeat offenders.
The recent raids at restaurants and bakeries in Hyderabad and Secunderabad have brought to light the alarming state of food safety practices in some establishments. While authorities continue to crack down on violators, the onus also lies on restaurant owners to prioritize hygiene and customer safety.
Consumers, too, play a role by staying vigilant and reporting concerns to the appropriate authorities. Food safety is not just a regulatory requirement—it is a fundamental responsibility to ensure public health and trust.
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