Despite its status as one of India’s leading culinary hubs with a food industry valued at over ₹10,000 crore, Hyderabad continues to lag significantly in the adoption of FSSAI hygiene ratings, according to official data.
Out of approximately 25,000 licensed eateries in the city, only 361 establishments have obtained hygiene ratings, accounting for less than 2% compliance. This places Hyderabad at the bottom among major metropolitan cities in India in terms of participation in the food hygiene rating programme.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) introduced the hygiene rating system to assess food establishments on key parameters such as cleanliness, food handling practices, storage conditions, and overall compliance with food safety norms. Ratings range from one to five stars and are intended to improve transparency and consumer confidence.
In comparison, other cities have recorded significantly higher adoption rates. Bengaluru has over 2,200 rated establishments, while Delhi leads nationally with 3,394. Even smaller metro cities such as Ahmedabad and Jaipur have outperformed Hyderabad in adoption of the programme.
Officials attribute the low uptake primarily to the voluntary nature of the system. Since hygiene ratings are not mandatory, many restaurant operators have not pursued certification despite repeated awareness drives.
A senior official from the GHMC food safety wing noted that while inspections continue and establishments are encouraged to participate, overall response remains limited. Training and certification programmes are being expanded to improve hygiene compliance across the sector.
Industry stakeholders have also acknowledged the gap. The National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI) has previously partnered with food safety authorities to promote hygiene ratings and conduct awareness campaigns, but the initiative has struggled to gain sustained momentum.
Suggestions have been made to strengthen monitoring through area-wise committees involving food safety officials, industry representatives, and public members to improve enforcement and awareness at the ground level.
The issue gains added significance given Hyderabad’s recognition as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, a distinction that underscores its global culinary reputation. Experts caution that food safety and hygiene standards must evolve in parallel with the city’s expanding restaurant industry.
According to industry voices and regulatory stakeholders, making hygiene ratings more widely adopted—or potentially mandatory—could help improve consumer trust and strengthen Hyderabad’s positioning as a safe and premium food destination.
As the city’s dining landscape continues to expand rapidly, the gap between culinary reputation and hygiene compliance remains a growing concern for both regulators and consumers alike.
