Key Update

Police and food safety officials busted an illegal Osmania biscuit manufacturing unit operating as Meraj Bakery in Amberpet and booked a case for alleged food safety violations in Hyderabad. The action followed a complaint from a sub-inspector of the Amberpet police station, who received credible information about food adulteration at the premises. Authorities identified the accused as Mohd Meraj, 36, who runs Meraj Bakery in Kamalanagar. Officials said he operated the unit under highly unhygienic conditions.

Unhygienic Manufacturing Conditions

During the inspection, police and food safety officials found that workers prepared Osmania biscuits without following basic hygiene practices. Workers did not wear gloves, hairnets or aprons, and repeatedly dipped baking trays in the same contaminated water.

Officials also found raw materials stored directly on the floor, while houseflies hovered around the preparation area. In addition, the walls and ceilings had flaking paint, and the unit lacked proper storage facilities, pest control measures and employee health records. Authorities said the biscuits were being flavoured and handled in unhygienic conditions, making them unsafe for consumption.

Large Quantity of Biscuits Seized

During the raid, officials seized 159 cartons of biscuits, each containing 30 packets. The team collected samples from the unit and sent them to a laboratory for analysis. Police registered a case under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and launched further investigation. Officials said they will take strict action against those endangering public health.

Source: The Hindu