Key Update 

Authorities in Rajamahendravaram, East Godavari in Andhra, have launched large-scale food safety inspections after 11 people died reportedly from milk adulteration in the city. The incident has raised serious concerns about hygiene standards and food quality at street food stalls and small eateries.

Unregulated Food Outlets Raise Concerns

Across the Godavari districts, hundreds of biryani centres and fast-food outlets operate without proper licences or hygiene standards. Many of these establishments appear overnight and cook food in poor conditions while promoting their businesses through YouTube and social media. Officials say inspections in villages, towns, and cities have remained limited in the past. Some outlets also market their food as “home-style,” which food safety activists say can mislead consumers about food quality and safety.

Heavy Rush at Popular Food Stalls

Chicken biryani centres and roadside food stalls attract large crowds every evening and during weekends. Food safety experts warn that such demand can increase the risk of poor food storage practices and the use of low-quality cooking oil and meat. Activists have also raised concerns about informal dairy collection centres and unregulated eateries, warning that many operate under unsafe conditions that could pose public health risks.

Officials Conduct Surprise Inspections

After the suspected milk adulteration tragedy linked to ethylene glycol contamination, food safety and legal metrology officials launched surprise inspections across the city. Five special teams comprising 10 Legal Metrology officials and 10 Food Safety officers inspected 30 food establishments, including hotels, restaurants, biryani centres, sweet shops, sweet manufacturing units, and bakeries. Officials from Kakinada and Eluru supervised the inspection drive. Authorities registered cases against several establishments for violating food safety norms.

Spoiled Meat and Expired Food Seized

During the inspections, officials seized and destroyed around 174 kilograms of spoiled meat, masala paste, chutneys, and other food items worth about ₹62,000. Officials also collected samples of 20 food items, including chicken biryani and cooking oil, and sent them to a food laboratory in Hyderabad after suspecting the use of low-quality or contaminated oils. Inspectors found artificial colours in sweets, expired stock in storage areas, rotten eggs, and banned additives in bakery products. In some bakeries, workers used newspapers while preparing bread and cakes. Officials immediately seized these materials.

Further Action After Lab Reports

District Food Safety Officer Supriya said authorities will take strict action if laboratory tests confirm the presence of harmful substances. Officials said the enforcement drive, carried out with police support, reflects stricter monitoring after the recent milk contamination incident exposed serious lapses in food handling and safety practices in the region.

Source: The New Indian Express