Hyderabad: The Telangana Food Safety Department conducted raids on hostels and PGs in Hyderabad’s Madhapur area on June 16, uncovering significant food safety and hygiene violations.
These violations highlight serious concerns about the health and safety standards being followed by hostel and PG operators in Hyderabad. The Food Safety Department’s findings stress the need for stricter enforcement and compliance to protect public health.
Hostels and PGs in Hyderabad Raided for Food Safety Violations
In a recent crackdown by the Telangana Food Safety Department, several hostels and PGs (Paying Guest accommodations) in Hyderabad were found to be violating food safety and hygiene standards. These raids, which took place on June 16 in the Madhapur area, revealed significant breaches that raise serious concerns about the well-being of residents.
Uncovering Unsanitary Conditions
The inspections uncovered a range of violations, from pest-infested vegetables to rusted cooking equipment, at multiple facilities.
At Sri Lakshmi PG Hostel in Kavuri Hills, officials discovered the hostel was operating without an FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) license. The conditions were alarming: pest-infested vegetables, a rusted dosa pan, and an overall unhygienic work area. Additionally, rice and dals were being improperly stored alongside mattresses. A spot test for water and tomato sauce conducted by the ‘Food Safety on Wheels’ vehicle showed acceptable parameters, but loose chili powder and Bengal gram were suspected of adulteration.
“Vegetables (cauliflower and ladiesfinger) were found to be infested with pests. The Dosa pan was found to be rusted. The work area was observed to be unhygienic. Improper storage: Rice and dals are stored along with mattresses,” the department noted in a press release.
Lack of Licenses and Hygiene
VG Homestay in Madhapur also failed to meet basic food safety standards. The facility was operating without an FSSAI license, and numerous hygiene issues were noted, including the use of food colors, unsanitary raw materials, and a rusted dosa tawa. Workers were found without proper hairnets, and a spot test for various condiments revealed acceptable parameters. However, loose chili powder was again suspected of adulteration.
At Narayana Society, expired food products were discovered, including 2kg of white gravy and 2kg of chopp masala. The absence of a Food Safety Training and Certification (FOSTAC) supervisor among the staff was noted, along with multiple hygiene issues in the kitchen area. The grinding area was found to be particularly untidy, with a high risk of contamination. Additionally, open drainage, a garbage storage area, and an unclean wash area were observed.
The Narayana Medical Academy in Madhapur also came under scrutiny. Operating without an FSSAI license, the facility lacked a FOSTAC supervisor, and inspectors found rusted water dispensers and an unclean serving area.
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Implications for Health and Safety
The findings from these raids highlight a troubling disregard for food safety and hygiene in several hostels and PGs in Hyderabad. The violations, ranging from the use of expired products to unsanitary cooking and storage conditions, pose serious health risks to residents.
The Telangana Food Safety Department’s actions underscore the need for stringent enforcement of food safety regulations. Ensuring compliance is crucial to protecting public health, particularly in accommodation facilities where residents depend on these services for their daily meals.
As the department continues its inspections, it is imperative for business owners to prioritize the health and safety of their consumers by adhering to established standards and obtaining necessary certifications.
The recent raids on hostels and PGs in Hyderabad reveal a significant lapse in food safety and hygiene standards. The Telangana Food Safety Department’s findings emphasize the urgent need for compliance and better oversight to ensure the well-being of residents. As these inspections continue, it is hoped that business owners will take immediate corrective actions to address these violations and uphold the standards required for safe and healthy living conditions.
For more information on food safety regulations and compliance, visit the official FSSAI website.
