Hyderabad: Task Force team of food safety department has been carrying out raids at various eateries in Nalgonda, Nizamabad, and Mahbubnagar districts, uncovering numerous concerns regarding food safety.
Nalgonda
A recent inspection at Sri Sumadhura Bar & Restaurant in Nalgonda uncovered several health and safety violations.
The team noted that prepared food items were stored improperly, with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian items kept together in the same refrigerator, posing a risk of cross-contamination. The restaurant’s hygiene practices were found lacking, with open dustbins placed near cooked food and a cleaning area located within the kitchen, adjacent to the cooking area.
In another inspection, Balaji Grand Family Garden The team found that synthetic food colors were being used in food preparation. In addition, 5 kilograms of boiled rice stored in the refrigerator and 2 kilograms of coloured chicken mandi pieces were deemed unsafe and discarded.
The inspection also revealed a lack of proper hygiene in the cooking area, which was exposed to the outer environment. Food handlers at the restaurant were found without appropriate protective gear, such as hairnets and aprons, which are essential for maintaining food hygiene. Additionally, both cooked and raw food items were left uncovered and exposed to houseflies, posing a serious health hazard.
In New Jail Mandi Restaurant, team discovered that synthetic food colors were being used in food preparation. Further inspection revealed flaws in the labeling of raw materials, including green chili sauce, continental sauce, corn flour, and fried onions, prompting their disposal.
The restaurant’s kitchen premises were found to be open to the outside environment, lacking proper barriers to prevent the entry of pests, flies, and dust. Furthermore, food handlers were observed without essential protective gear such as hair caps, gloves, and aprons, while medical fitness certificates for food handlers and pest control records were notably absent.
Nizamabad
As the series of raids continues, in Hotela Kapila the team found vegetables used for cooking were infested with fungus, including cauliflower, carrot, tomato, and lemon, all of which were promptly discarded
Furthermore, the kitchen premises were found to be unhygienic, with evidence of pest infestation. Expired food items were also found during the inspection and were discarded. The team also observed untidy floors and walls, with water stagnation noted in some areas.
During the inspection of Aroma Family Kitchen, a eatery in Nizamabad Town the team discovered synthetic food colors were being used in prepared food items. Additionally, chicken was found to be stored unwrapped in the refrigerator
Furthermore, food handlers at the establishment were observed without essential protective gear such as hair nets and gloves, which are crucial for maintaining hygiene standards. Moreover, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian food products were stored together.
Hotel Vamshi International in Nizamabad Town has been found to be in violation of food safety regulations as the team discovered cooked deep-fried items stored in the refrigerator alongside raw materials. Additionally, fungal-infected cashew nuts and grapes were found during the inspection and promptly discarded
Inspectors also noted deficiencies in the maintenance of the kitchen premises, with walls and floors improperly sealed and water stagnation observed. Such conditions not only compromise hygiene standards but also create an environment conducive to the breeding of pests and bacteria.
Mahbubnagar
As food raids continue to expand at various parts of Telangana, Sri Venkateswara Bhavan in Mahbubnagar faced scrutiny during a recent inspection due to several food safety violations as the team discovered adulterated tea powder on the premises, which was promptly discarded. Additionally, the absence of medical records for food handlers raised concerns about the health and safety practices implemented by the establishment.
Hygiene issues were also noted within the premises, highlighting deficiencies in cleanliness practices that could contribute to food contamination.
In Pista House, a renowned eatery in Yenugonda, Mahbubnagar the team discovered a significant quantity of stale non-vegetarian food items, totaling 70 kilograms, in storage. These items were deemed unfit for consumption and promptly discarded.
Furthermore, various hygiene lapses were observed within the premises, including the presence of dustbins in the food preparation area, blocked drains, and an unclean refrigerator.
Inspectors also noted improper storage practices for both food and non-food items, with raw and cooked items observed to be stored together. In addition to these violations, Pista House failed to display its Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) license within the premises, as required by regulations.
