Hyderabad Authorities Suspend Licences of 11 Restaurants for Violations

In Hyderabad, the Telangana Standards Authority for Food and Essential Drugs (TG SAFE) has taken decisive action against eleven restaurants by suspending their Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) licences. This move follows an inspection that uncovered serious violations related to food safety and hygiene in the regions of Madhapur, Hitec City, and Gachibowli.

The enforcement operation, conducted on September 26, involved ten enforcement teams comprising Food Safety Officers and police personnel. During the inspections, authorities discovered issues such as cockroach and rodent infestations, faeces, hygiene concerns, expired food products, fungal contamination, inadequate food storage, and clogged drainage systems across several establishments.

TG SAFE noted that a total of 20 eateries were inspected, leading to the collection of 21 food samples suspected of adulteration. Of the establishments scrutinised, six have been issued improvement notices. Noteworthy establishments included Rameshwaram Cafe in Madhapur, Hotel Shadab and Shah Ghouse Hotel and Restaurant in Gachibowli.

Additionally, other restaurants such as White Elephant Food Works, Minerva Grand, and Hotel Avasa will receive show-cause notices detailing the violations found, setting the stage for potential penalties or further action.

The recorded violations were extensive, including the presence of expired food items, contaminated vegetables, improper refrigeration methods, and missing health records for food handlers. The poor cleanliness of kitchen areas, alongside issues such as greasy exhaust systems and damaged flooring, was also flagged by the inspectors.

Following these findings, the affected establishments are required to cease operations until they address the identified safety and hygiene issues adequately. This initiative underscores the authorities' commitment to enforcing food safety regulations and protecting public health.

TG SAFE's measures aim to ensure that food outlets comply with safety protocols, thereby maintaining hygiene standards essential for consumer safety. This operation reflects the ongoing efforts of local authorities to uphold public health regulations and ensure that food service establishments adhere strictly to safety practices.