Hyderabad: The Hyderabad City Police Commissioner’s Task Force, under the Hyderabad Food Adulteration Surveillance Team (H-FAST), conducted a special enforcement drive against food safety violations across Hyderabad and Ranga Reddy districts. Officials inspected six food business establishments and apprehended six persons for alleged violations of food safety norms.
H-FAST carried out the raids on July 17 in coordination with GHMC Food Safety Officers. Authorities handed over all six accused to the respective Food Safety Officers for further action under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and other applicable laws.
Food safety violations found at six establishments
The enforcement teams inspected an edible oil and basmati rice repacking unit, an ice cream manufacturing unit, two murukulu manufacturing units, a bakery and a food retail establishment.
The raided establishments included M/s KOP Apro Tech Limited at Bahadurpura, M/s Snazzy Ice Cream at Kishan Bagh, M/s Veerabhadra Enterprises and M/s Twin Cities Enterprises at Mylargadda, M/s SS Bakery at Malkajguda and M/s M.M. Kirana & Dry Fruits Stores at Begum Bazar.
Officials found food prepared and stored under unhygienic conditions. In addition, they detected the alleged use of reused cooking oil and artificial food colours. They also found expired and misbranded food products at some establishments.
Food safety violations trigger enforcement action
H-FAST officials also reported the absence or non-display of valid FSSAI licences, improper food labelling and poor storage practices. Furthermore, they found inadequate pest control, missing water analysis and food testing records, and incomplete health records.
The inspection teams also noticed that food handlers were not using hairnets, gloves and other protective gear. They reported pest, cockroach and pigeon infestations along with poor sanitation and housekeeping at several establishments.
Officials seized reused cooking oil, artificial food colours and other unsafe food articles. Meanwhile, they collected food samples for laboratory analysis and issued notices directing food business operators to rectify the violations and comply with food safety standards.
Inspectors N. Ranjith Kumar Goud and M. Anjaiah of H-FAST led the special drive along with Sub-Inspectors of H-FAST and GHMC Food Safety Officers.
Hyderabad Police advised consumers to buy food only from licensed and hygienic establishments. Finally, the department urged the public to verify FSSAI licences, manufacturing and expiry dates, and product labels before purchasing food. It also asked people to report food adulteration or illegal food business activities through the H-FAST toll-free helpline.