Surprise Raids Find Many Food Outlets Flouting Food Safety Norms

Hyderabad: The food safety department conducted surprise inspections at the Rayalaseema Ruchulu and Shah Ghouse outlets at Lakdikapul, as well as at supermarkets and eateries located at the Ameerpet Metro Station on Saturday.

At Rayalaseema Ruchulu, officials discovered 20 kg of maida infested with black beetles and 2 kg of tamarind with insects, leading to their immediate destruction. The team seized 168 bottles of ‘goli soda,’ valued at Rs 16,000, due to the absence of a manufacturing licence. Unlabelled cashew nuts and jowar roti worth Rs 11,000 were discarded, and improper storage practices, including the mixing of vegetarian and non-vegetarian items, were noted.

At Shah Ghouse, the inspection revealed several lapses, including the storage of unlabelled prepared and semi-prepared food items. Medical records of food handlers were unavailable, and inspectors highlighted significant hygiene issues, such as water stagnation. Statutory samples were collected and sent to the laboratory for further analysis.

During an inspection at the Ratnadeep Retail Store at Ameerpet Metro Rail Station, the team discovered that Cadbury Bournville dark chocolates were leaking from sealed packs. The chocolates were seized, and samples were taken for analysis.

At Jumbo King Burgers at the station, the team noted the absence of a TPC meter to check the quality of reused oil and observed hygiene issues such as water stagnation and open dustbins. At the KFC outlet, the team found improper medical fitness certificates. At Five Star Food Court, hygiene issues like open dustbins were noted, and the medical fitness certificates of food handlers were unavailable.