Report: Food Safety Violations at Hyderabad Bakeries

On January 3, 2025, the Telangana Food Safety Task Force inspected two Hyderabad bakeries: Monginis Cake Shop in Macha Bollaram, Alwal, and VACS Pastries in Secunderabad. The inspections revealed serious food safety violations at both establishments, including unsanitary conditions, expired products, and improper documentation.

Monginis Cake Shop: Poor Sanitation and Expired Products

Sanitation Failures

Inspectors found rat droppings in the storage area and discovered an active cockroach infestation in the production space. They also observed unsanitary cake preparation containers and uncovered expired products, some over two years old. These expired products included 5 liters of kesar syrup, 5 kilograms of pineapple flavoring, 0.5 kilograms of vanilla flavor, and 8 kilograms of desiccated coconut powder.

Disorganized Storage and Refrigeration Issues

Inspectors found the storage area cluttered with materials improperly stored on the ground and steps. The walls and ceilings showed peeling paint, further compromising hygiene. Inspectors also identified a leaking air conditioning unit in the Cold Room, which posed a contamination risk. The refrigerators contained unsanitary conditions, with scattered food waste and unclean plastic barrels.

Documentation Violations

Monginis failed to display its FSSAI license and lacked essential employee health records and FoSTaC certificates. The bakery also lacked the necessary licenses for the seven chiller vehicles used to transport products.

VACS Pastries: Unauthorized Alcohol Use and Labeling Issues

Alcohol Use Without Authorization

Inspectors found that VACS Pastries used rum in plum cakes without the required excise authorization. They also noted that the product labels failed to disclose this alcohol content, violating food labeling regulations.

Improper Storage and Unsanitary Conditions

Inspectors found large quantities of cake mixture, made from dry fruits and jam, stored in plastic barrels without best-before dates. The bakery also stored food items alongside chemicals, and several products in the refrigerator were uncovered and lacked proper labeling. Additionally, the bakery failed to maintain temperature logs for its refrigerators.

Labeling and Documentation Violations

VACS Pastries had multiple labeling violations, including missing FSSAI logos, manufacturing addresses, ingredient details, nutritional facts, and batch numbers. The bakery also lacked water analysis reports and medical records for food handlers, and no FoSTaC-trained personnel were present during the inspection.

Conclusion

The inspections revealed serious violations at both Monginis Cake Shop and VACS Pastries, including unsanitary conditions, expired products, and improper documentation. These findings highlight the urgent need for stricter adherence to food safety standards to ensure public health protection.

Source: NDTV