Key Update 

Authorities in Tirupati have uncovered shocking food safety lapses that threaten the health of residents, pilgrims, and tourists. Joint teams from the Food Safety and Legal Metrology departments conducted surprise inspections across more than 2,000 licensed and unlicensed eateries, from roadside stalls to top hotels. Inspectors found rotten chicken biryani, decomposed mushrooms, adulterated oils, contaminated water, and kitchens operating in appalling conditions.

The teams destroyed 26 kilograms of spoiled food on the spot and collected 35 food samples for laboratory testing. They issued notices to 21 outlets for unhygienic practices and booked 17 restaurants for using faulty weighing scales, overpricing bottled water, and failing to display proper labels.

Staff Shortages Hamper Regular Monitoring

Enforcement teams struggle to maintain regular checks due to a severe manpower crunch. The Tirupati district operates with only one Food Controller and three Food Safety Officers—one on long leave and another tied up with the Tirumala laddu ghee adulteration case—leaving only one officer to conduct routine inspections. Officials admit they respond mainly to complaints rather than carrying out systematic monitoring.

Earlier drives resulted in ₹4.92 lakh in fines across 20 cases, targeting substandard food, expired goods, and misleading labelling. Despite this, violations persist. Since the district’s formation, authorities have registered fewer than 100 food safety cases, with many still pending in court.

Public Demands Transparency and Tougher Action

Residents criticised authorities for not revealing the names of offending outlets. “If they don’t tell us which outlets are selling bad food, how can we avoid them?” asked resident Madhu Sirigiri. Activists are demanding regular inspections, public disclosure of violators, and tougher penalties to curb repeat offences.

Source: Deccan Herald

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