Hyderabad: The Food Safety Wing of the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) carried out surprise inspections at 73 hospital kitchens across the city as part of a hygiene enforcement drive.
The inspections were conducted by GHMC Food Safety Officers, acting on the Commissioner’s directions, with each officer instructed to inspect no fewer than five kitchens within their jurisdiction.
A total of 14 food samples were collected during the inspections and are being sent to the State Food Laboratory at Nacharam for analysis.
GHMC officials instructed hospital kitchen managements to maintain hygiene in food preparation, handling, and the upkeep of kitchen premises.
According to GHMC, notices under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and related rules will be issued where violations are found. Major infractions could lead to adjudication proceedings.
Common hygiene lapses recorded during the inspections included:
No separate storage areas
Dirty exhaust systems
Inadequate maintenance of washing areas
Uncovered and unlabelled food in refrigerators
Food stored directly on the floor
Uncovered dustbins
Improper storage of food and non-food items together
Lack of water testing reports and pest control documentation
The Food Safety Wing said further inspections and enforcement actions will continue.
