Overview

The Telangana Food Safety Department emerged as a key player in safeguarding food safety and hygiene across the state in 2024. Between January and November, the department conducted 4,652 inspections at restaurants, high-end pubs, manufacturing units, eCommerce dark stores, warehouses, dairy operations, and ice cream shops in Hyderabad and other districts. These inspections resulted in ₹78 lakh in penalties and the filing of 710 adjudication cases.

Task Forces for Unannounced Inspections

To bolster its efforts, the department launched a special task force on April 16, comprising three food safety officers for unannounced inspections. According to Food Safety Commissioner R.V. Karnan, the task force conducted 286 inspections, uncovering violations such as unsanitary food handling, the use of expired ingredients, and inadequate documentation. During these operations, authorities seized substandard and suspicious food items worth over ₹15 lakh, including 19,000 litres of mislabeled bottled water and 2,500 kg of contaminated ginger-garlic paste.

Recognizing the growing number of dining establishments, the government approved two additional task forces in August. One focuses on the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) region, while the other operates across various districts. These teams have conducted numerous inspections, including 11 in GHMC and several in Adilabad, Nizamabad, and Karimnagar.

Focus on Educational Facilities and Hospitals

The department prioritized inspections at schools, hostels, and hospitals this year, evaluating hygiene in 516 educational facilities and 84 hospital cafeterias (45 public and 39 private). Violations led to training programs for cooks and educational sessions to improve standards in these institutions.

Enhancing Street Food Safety

Acknowledging the rapid growth of the street food sector over the past decade, the department intensified efforts to regulate this segment. Through Food Safety Training and Certification (FoSTaC) programs, 1,500 street food vendors across four key districts received training with support from corporate entities and vendor associations. Additionally, 3,774 vendors obtained FSSAI registrations through targeted initiatives. The Telangana Food Safety Department’s proactive measures and strategic focus on diverse sectors highlight its commitment to ensuring safe and hygienic food for all. These actions not only enhance public health but also promote trust and accountability within the food industry.

Source: The Hindu