Overview

The Task Force teams from Telangana’s Commissioner of Food Safety conducted inspections at popular restaurants in the Kompally area of Medchal-Malkajgiri district on December 30, exposing several hygiene violations.

Malnadu Kitchen: Contamination Risks and Poor Storage Practices

Inspectors discovered raw meats, including chicken and mutton, improperly stored in refrigerators, posing serious contamination risks. Prepared dishes like mutton curry and fried chicken wings were found in an unlabeled cold room and later discarded. Synthetic food dyes, suspected to be used in ready-made meals, were confiscated. Other violations included rodent droppings in storage areas, poorly maintained refrigerators, uneven floors, and scattered food waste. Walls were greasy, tiles were damaged, and trash cans were left ajar. Additionally, a paintbrush was being used to spread butter. Raw and semi-cooked foods, as well as vegetarian and non-vegetarian items, were stored together, breaching fundamental safety regulations.

Platform-65: Blocked Drains and Cross-Contamination

The Train Theme Restaurant exhibited slippery, uneven floors littered with food scraps. Inspectors reported blocked drains filled with stagnant water and food debris. Refrigerators were unsanitary, storing uncovered and unlabeled food items. Vegetarian and non-vegetarian foods were stored together, and some items were placed directly on the floor. Food and non-food items were also stored together, compounding the violations.

Ulavacharu: Expired Products and Decayed Ingredients

At Ulavacharu, officials seized 139 expired and improperly labelled bottles of goli soda. The kitchen contained decayed vegetables, including tomatoes, and artificial food dyes believed to be used in ready-made meals. Peeling walls and ceilings released flakes into the air, while floors were slick with food scraps. Blocked drains lacked adequate insect traps, and raw meats like chicken and mutton were stored in unsanitary conditions. Grinding and washing zones were filthy, and the exhaust system was greasy and neglected. Paintbrushes were also being used to spread butter, further highlighting the lack of hygiene.

Source: The Hindu