Hyderabad:A task force team inspected multiple restaurants at Lakdikapul on Tuesday, uncovering rat and cockroach infestation, probable serving of leftover food and other serious lapses in food safety and hygiene practices.
At Khan-E-Khaas, inspectors found that the food business operator (FBO) was operating without a valid license from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). Leftover food from the previous day was discarded on the spot, while pest control records, medical fitness certificates and water analysis reports were missing. The kitchen premises were poorly maintained, with patchy flooring, broken tiles and water stagnation. Rat feces could be seen on shelves storing raw food, pointing to a possible rat infestation. And, the refrigerator was in an unhygienic state, with vegetables and meat products stored together. Design of the kitchen did not allow for adequate space to work and carry out proper cleaning.
At Shahi Dastarkhwan, the walls were greasy and the ceiling was shedding plaster particles. Broken tiles and water stagnation were common issues. The inspection uncovered live cockroach infestation in the first-floor kitchen and expired food articles such as mango masala, coconut milk and keora water were seized and discarded. Although the FBO maintained medical fitness certificates, the absence of insect-proof screens, accumulation of food waste in drains and stagnant water posed significant hygiene concerns.
At Bademiyan Kababs, cobwebs were found in the kitchen and food articles in the refrigerator lacked proper labeling. The FBO failed to display a copy of the food license and crucial documents like pest control records and water analysis reports were missing. Synthetic food colours suspected to be used in kababs and Chinese dishes were confiscated and discarded. Food handlers were observed working without hair caps and gloves, and the premises lacked adequate screens to prevent pests and dust from entering.
