Telangana’s food safety enforcement framework has come under scrutiny after official data revealed that 398 food samples failed quality checks in 2025-26, yet the state reported zero penalties and zero convictions during the period.
According to data tabled by the Union Health Ministry in the Lok Sabha, Telangana analysed 3,576 food samples during the year, with 11.1% found to be non-conforming. Violations included misbranding, use of expired ingredients and food adulteration. Despite the findings, no civil cases resulted in penalties and no convictions were recorded.
The state’s enforcement performance lags significantly behind its southern counterparts. Tamil Nadu tested 44,603 samples and reported 1,359 penalty cases and 857 convictions, while Kerala analysed 16,746 samples, resulting in 1,026 penalties and 330 convictions. Andhra Pradesh, which tested 5,798 samples, reported 196 penalty cases and 16 convictions, while Karnataka recorded 248 penalties and 33 convictions from 13,349 samples.
Food safety officials attributed the lack of penalties to a large backlog of cases awaiting adjudication before district additional collectors. More than 100 food safety violation cases are reportedly pending in Hyderabad and Rangareddy districts alone.
The data also highlights manpower shortages within Telangana’s food safety department. Of 81 sanctioned Food Safety Officer posts, only 44 are filled, leaving 37 vacancies, nearly 46% of the sanctioned strength. Officials said the shortage has impacted inspections, sample collection and follow-up enforcement activities.
The findings come amid increased scrutiny of food safety standards across restaurants, hotels and food businesses in Telangana. Industry observers note that while testing and inspections have intensified, delays in adjudication and staffing constraints continue to hamper effective enforcement.
