Hyderabad, September — In a startling revelation, a task force from the Food Safety Department of Telangana conducted a series of raids on popular restaurants in Hyderabad, uncovering significant health and safety violations, including a cockroach infestation at multiple locations. The inspections took place at Hotel Amrutha Castle, Three Cheers Restaurant, and Poorna Restaurant in Khairtabad. The findings raised serious concerns about food safety practices in these establishments, which are frequented by a large number of patrons.
At Hotel Amrutha Castle, inspectors found food items stored in refrigerators that were not only improperly labeled but also contained expired products such as rose water and baking powder. Alarmingly, live cockroaches were spotted in both the kitchen and storage areas, posing a severe health risk to customers. The restaurant was also found to be violating the First In, First Out (FIFO) practice, which is essential for preventing food spoilage.
Further issues included the absence of temperature records for refrigerators, food handlers working without necessary hair caps and gloves, and unsanitary flooring conditions with standing water. Cobwebs and shedding particles were also discovered above the crockery storage area, indicating a lack of cleanliness.
Three Cheers Restaurant faced its own set of violations, notably failing to display its Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) license in a visible location. Additionally, the restaurant did not have pest control and medical fitness certificates available for inspection. During the raid, synthetic food colors, suspected to be used in Chinese dishes, were found and immediately discarded. The limited space in the storeroom also posed challenges for effective storage and operational efficiency. Unhygienic conditions were further exacerbated by open dustbins lacking lids and a dirty kitchen table, raising red flags about overall cleanliness.
At Poorna Restaurant, the inspection team encountered similar issues. Refrigerators contained uncovered and unlabeled food items, and windows and doors were found without insect-proof screens, allowing pests to enter the premises. Synthetic food colors were again discovered and discarded, while rotten and damaged tomatoes and ginger were also removed to mitigate health risks.
The establishment consistently failed to maintain temperature records for refrigeration, further compromising food safety standards. These inspections highlight the urgent need for better food safety practices and regulatory compliance among restaurants in Hyderabad. The Food Safety Department continues to emphasize the importance of adhering to hygiene standards to protect public health and ensure that dining experiences remain safe for consumers.