Raids at six food units in Hyderabad; expired products, unhygienic conditions flagged
Six persons were apprehended after the Hyderabad Food Adulteration Surveillance Team (H-FAST), conducted raids on six food establishments in Hyderabad and Ranga Reddy districts on
Six persons were apprehended after the Hyderabad Food Adulteration Surveillance Team (H-FAST), conducted raids on six food establishments in Hyderabad and Ranga Reddy districts on Friday as part of a special drive against food safety violations. The H-FAST, along with GHMC Food Safety Officers, inspected a repacking unit, an ice-cream manufacturing unit, two murukulu manufacturing units, a bakery and a retail store. The establishments raided included KOP Apro Tech Ltd.
at Bahadurpura, Snazzy Ice Cream at Kishan Bagh, Veerabhadra Enterprises and Twin Cities Enterprises at Mylargadda, SS Bakery at Malkajguda and M.M. Kirana and Dry Fruits Stores at Begum Bazar. Police said several violations were found during the inspections, including preparation and storage of food in unhygienic conditions, use of reused cooking oil and artificial food colours, sale of expired and misbranded products and improper labelling.
Officials also found poor sanitation, pest, cockroach and pigeon infestation, improper storage of food articles and the absence or non-display of valid FSSAI licences. Several food handlers were also found not using hairnets, gloves and other protective gear. Reused cooking oil, artificial food colours and other unsafe food articles were seized. Food samples were collected for laboratory analysis and the six persons were handed over to the respective Food Safety Officers for action under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
The H-FAST advised consumers to purchase food products only from licensed and hygienic establishments and check FSSAI licences, manufacturing and expiry dates and product labels before making purchases. Food adulteration or unhygienic food preparation can be reported to H-FAST on 8712661212.
The BriefWire