Key Update

Absolute Barbeque, a popular restaurant chain in Hyderabad, came under the lens of the Food Safety Task Force and Food Safety Officers (FSOs) on Tuesday (September 9, 2025) following a complaint lodged with the Commissioner of Food Safety. Officials inspected ten outlets, including locations at A.S. Rao Nagar, Kompally, Medipally, Banjara Hills, Jubilee Hills, Gachibowli, Inorbit, Miyapur, Vanasthalipuram, and Secunderabad, and uncovered multiple violations ranging from unhygienic kitchen practices to improper food storage.

Unhygienic Kitchens and Infestations

During the inspections, officers observed dirty utensils, unclean floors, and poorly maintained wash areas across several outlets. Refrigerators were found uncleaned and not defrosted, while chopping boards showed significant wear. Infestations were reported at the Banjara Hills and Gachibowli outlets of Absolute Barbeque, with cockroaches and houseflies present. At the Medipally branch, officials discovered expired food items, and rotten fruits with fungal growth were found at the Inorbit outlet.

Storage and Labelling Violations

The inspections also revealed severe storage lapses. Food was stored directly on the floor alongside rat pads, flour at the A.S. Rao Nagar outlet was found infested with beetles, and racks showed evidence of rat droppings. Rusted and unhygienic storage conditions were noted at multiple locations. Additionally, officers identified violations of the Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020. Food items were seized, and samples were collected for laboratory testing. Notices were issued to the restaurant management, and authorities indicated that further action may follow depending on the test results.

Source: The Hindu