HBI Staff | Hyderabad 
According to a report by The New Indian Express, barely a month after its formation, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) task force set up by the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) has uncovered alarming hygiene issues in restaurants and hotels across Hyderabad, raising serious questions about consumer health.
During its month-long inspection of 75 to 80 establishments, including bakeries, supermarkets, and restaurants, the task force found widespread food adulteration and substandard conditions. An astonishing 90% of these establishments were operating under unhygienic conditions. Kitchens and storerooms were found infested with cockroaches and other insects, and many places were selling expired food items. So far, 24 cases have been filed under various Acts, with criminal cases expected to follow pending laboratory reports in about a fortnight.
The GHMC has also issued a public warning against consuming brightly colored food items such as Chicken-65, tandoori chicken, colored biryani, and gobi, which often contain dangerous levels of additives. In many cases, additive levels were found to be 5-10 times higher than the permissible limit of 100 parts per million (ppm), posing significant health risks.
The task force was formed in response to numerous complaints from citizens and social media buzz about substandard food quality. The three-member team, comprising two members from the Commissionerate of Food Safety, Telangana, and one from GHMC, has been conducting inspections and collecting food samples to check for adulteration.
Some well-known establishments inspected and issued show-cause notices include Babylon Bar & Kitchen (Jubilee Hills), Hotel Shanbhag Deluxe (Punjagutta), Chutneys Restaurant (Punjagutta), Minerva Hotel (Kompally), Kritunga Restaurant (Kukatpally), Pista House (Uppal), Karachi Bakery (MJ Market), Cream Stone Concepts (Himayatnagar), Kamat Hotel (Secretariat Road), Rayalaseema Ruchulu (Lakdikapool), Shah Ghouse Multicuisine Restaurant (Lakdikapul), Kritunga Restaurant & Franchises Pvt Ltd (Somajiguda), and Baskin Robbins (Banjara Hills).
GHMC officials have said that the inspections have uncovered widespread non-compliance with FSSAI standards and have instilled a sense of accountability among restaurateurs. The inspection drive will continue until all establishments comply with food safety regulations. Minor defects identified during inspections will be addressed with improvement notices, while serious violations will result in the cancellation of licenses and legal action.
In recent inspections at Rameshwaram Cafe and Baahubali Kitchen in Madhapur, the task force found 100 kg of expired urad dal, 10 kg Nandini curd, and eight liters of milk at Rameshwaram Cafe. These items were discarded on the spot. Improperly labeled raw rice (450 kg), white lobia (20 kg), and 300 kg unlabelled jaggery were seized. Medical fitness certificates for food handlers were not available, and dustbins were not properly covered. At Baahubali Kitchen, synthetic food colors were found, and the kitchen floor was swarming with cockroaches. The premises were very unhygienic, with water stagnation in the cleaning area and improperly stored semi-prepared and raw food inside the refrigerator. The hotel did not display a copy of the FSSAI license on the premises.
The GHMC’s rigorous inspection efforts aim to ensure compliance with food safety regulations and promote public health by addressing these critical issues.
