Report on Food Safety Inspections in Patancheru, Telangana

On December 12, 2024, a food safety team conducted thorough inspections in the Patancheru region near Hyderabad, Telangana, targeting establishments near the ORR (Outer Ring Road) Muthangi. The team uncovered multiple violations related to hygiene, food safety practices, and regulatory compliance.

Inspection Findings at Isthara Babai Hotel

During the inspection of the Isthara Babai Hotel, the team uncovered several serious issues. They discovered expired and decayed food items, including milk packets that had expired four days earlier, one kilogram of spices set to expire in July 2024, and decayed vegetables. The team also observed the improper use of food dyes and other questionable additives. Additional concerns included hygiene and storage problems, such as partially obstructed kitchen sink drains, unlabeled and uncovered food items in the refrigerator, and the storage of cleaning supplies alongside raw food items. The team found that the FIFO (First In, First Out) inventory method was not followed, and doors and windows lacked insect screens. Regulatory violations included the failure to display the FSSAI license and the absence of medical fitness records and FoSTaC (Food Safety Training and Certification) certificates for food handlers.

Violations Noted at The Palace-2

At The Palace-2, located near the ORR, inspectors found several violations. They observed food safety and hygiene issues, such as semi-prepared meals stored in the refrigerator without labels, vegetarian and non-vegetarian food stored together in the same refrigerator, and cleaning supplies stored alongside food items. The inspectors noted the use of artificial food dyes and immediately removed them. The team also discovered an unguarded kitchen exit and doors and windows without insect screens. They reported poor organization and unhygienic storage in the disorganized storage area. Additionally, the establishment lacked a valid food safety license and did not provide the required water analysis report.

Critical Issues at Gulshan Hotel

At Gulshan Hotel, the team identified significant food safety breaches. Inspectors found that the hotel was operating without a license and noted a lack of essential safety gear and training. Food handlers worked without protective gear, such as head caps, aprons, and gloves, and no personnel had received FoSTaC training. The team also found that the required medical fitness certificates and water analysis reports were unavailable. Inspectors described the kitchen as severely unsanitary, with no pest barriers or insect deterrents. They also highlighted poor food storage practices, including the storage of ready-to-eat and partially prepared items together without labels. The team found iron knives being used for food preparation and synthetic food colours incorporated during cooking.

Conclusion

The inspections revealed widespread non-compliance with food safety and hygiene standards across all three establishments. Authorities stressed the urgent need for improvements in food handling, storage, and hygiene practices to safeguard public health and safety. The team announced plans for follow-up inspections and legal actions to address the violations and enforce compliance.

Source: NDTV