A series of inspections conducted by a state-level task force on November 11, 2024, in Telangana’s Suryapet district have exposed significant hygiene violations and unsafe practices in local food establishments, including bakeries and restaurants. The task force uncovered a range of troubling issues at multiple food outlets, including expired products, unsanitary conditions, and a failure to maintain critical health and safety records.
At Dolphin Bakery, the inspection revealed alarming health hazards. Open dustbins, rusted kitchen equipment, and cobwebs on the walls and ceilings were among the findings. Oil and dirt accumulation on the roof and exposed electrical wires further raised concerns. In a particularly concerning discovery, the bakery’s washroom was found situated within the kitchen area, with cooking oil stored dangerously close by. The task force also noted that the cooking area lacked proper lighting, and essential documents such as the FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) license, pest control records, and water analysis reports were either missing or unavailable.
Similarly, during the inspection of LS Bakers, expired sprinkling sprays were found in cakes, and the use of excessive synthetic food coloring was suspected. Other issues included open dustbins near the baking area and food handlers who were not following basic hygiene practices, such as wearing head caps, gloves, or aprons. Again, the establishment failed to display the FSSAI license prominently, and essential records like medical fitness certificates for food handlers and pest control documents were absent.
The task force also visited Tanuja Logili, a local restaurant in Suryapet, where similar concerns were raised. No pest control records, medical certificates for food handlers, or water analysis reports were available. The restaurant was found to be storing cooked and semi-cooked meat in refrigerators for extended periods, and the inspection revealed the presence of houseflies on exposed food items and insects in the drinking water filter. Additionally, there was noticeable oil and dirt buildup on the cooking area’s walls and ceiling.
Kaveri Family Restaurant was another establishment that failed to meet hygiene standards. The inspection team reported unclean refrigerators, open drains without grills, and untrained food handlers without proper personal protective equipment such as hair caps and gloves. The use of synthetic food coloring in biryani was also flagged as a violation, and once again, crucial documentation, including pest control records and medical fitness certificates, were found to be missing.
The widespread violations across these establishments highlight ongoing concerns over food safety and hygiene in Suryapet’s food industry. Authorities have emphasized the need for stricter enforcement of regulations, especially the display of FSSAI licenses and the maintenance of hygiene standards. The task force has issued notices to the offending food business operators and is expected to follow up with further inspections and penalties.
These inspections serve as a reminder of the critical importance of hygiene and regulatory compliance in ensuring food safety for consumers. As the food safety task force continues its efforts across the state, it urges both consumers and food businesses to prioritize cleanliness and adhere to health guidelines to avoid such health risks in the future.
Sources By Agencies