Food Safety Task Force Uncovers Major Violations at Restaurants Near Hyderabad's Nehru Zoological Park

In a major food safety inspection conducted on October 7, 2024, a task force uncovered alarming hygiene violations at multiple eateries near Hyderabad’s Nehru Zoological Park in Bahadurpura. The inspection revealed significant lapses in health and safety standards, triggering immediate action from authorities.

The first establishment inspected was Shaheen Mandi - The Arabian Restaurant, where officials found several hygiene issues. Water stagnation was noted near the washing area, creating a breeding ground for pests. Additionally, synthetic food colors suspected of being used in non-vegetarian dishes were promptly discarded. These colors are a health hazard if misused, and their presence raised serious concerns.

Moreover, food handlers were found working without basic sanitary measures, such as wearing hair caps, aprons, and gloves, increasing the risk of contamination. The refrigerator inside the restaurant was found in poor condition. Shockingly, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian items were being stored together without proper separation or labeling. Some food inside the refrigerator was neither covered nor labeled, and the leftover food was discarded by the team on the spot.

The inspection also revealed that crucial records, including temperature logs for the refrigerator, were missing. In addition, other mandatory documentation, such as medical fitness certificates for food handlers and pest control records, was unavailable. The task force also noted that the restaurant had not displayed a copy of its FSSAI license on the premises, a clear violation of food safety regulations.

Following this, the task force moved to inspect Hotel Fiza and Bakers, also located in Bahadurpura. Here, they found similar, if not worse, conditions. Once again, the absence of key documents like medical fitness certificates, pest control records, and water analysis reports for RO water used in cooking was highlighted. Food handlers were also spotted without proper hygiene attire, such as hair caps and aprons.

The kitchen of Hotel Fiza was found to be infested with live cockroaches, posing a serious health threat. Officials noted that doors and windows were left open, lacking insect-proof screens to prevent pests from entering the kitchen. Structural issues such as broken tiles and crumbling walls were also observed, with shedding particles potentially contaminating food. The refrigerator was declared unhygienic, with improperly labeled and uncovered food items stored within. As a result, the team discarded several suspected leftover items, as well as synthetic food colors that were suspected to have been used in preparing non-vegetarian dishes.

The final establishment visited was Sukha Sagar Udipi Veg, where similar violations were noted. A damaged false ceiling made of plaster of Paris in the dining area raised concerns about food contamination, as water seepage had further deteriorated the ceiling. The store room showed signs of a cockroach infestation, adding to the health risks. Open drains and water stagnation near the washing area contributed to the unsanitary environment. Additionally, the cellar kitchen, which was open to the outside premises, lacked proper insect-proof screens, allowing pests easy entry.

The task force found that some of the food handlers were working without hair caps and aprons, adding to the violations. Prepared and semi-cooked food items were stored without proper labeling, increasing the risk of cross-contamination. Furthermore, the restaurant's FSSAI license had expired on October 3, 2024, and had not been renewed by the time of inspection. As in the other establishments, temperature records for the refrigerator were unavailable, and essential documents like medical fitness certificates and pest control records were not on hand.

This comprehensive inspection has highlighted the urgent need for stricter enforcement of food safety regulations in restaurants around Hyderabad’s Nehru Zoological Park. With such serious violations coming to light, the task force's findings are expected to prompt further inspections and potential penalties for the erring establishments. Food safety is a critical public health concern, and such violations pose a significant risk to consumers.