Food safety team discovers violations in restaurants, tiffin centers in Bhadrachalam

HYDERABAD: The Task Force team of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) conducted inspections on Tuesday at several restaurants and tiffin centers in Bhadrachalam district, Telangana State.

During the raids, the food safety team found severe violations at Sri Gauthami Spice Restaurant, Raghvendra Hotel Tiffins and Meals, and Townhouse Sri Bhadra Grand in Bhadrachalam.

Sri Gauthami Spice Restaurant

The food safety team discovered 10 kg of prepared dough infested with fungus, which was immediately discarded. They also noted the restaurant's use of synthetic food colors and observed food handlers without haircaps, gloves, and aprons.

Annual medical records of the restaurant were not found. Open drainage and uncovered dustbins were seen nearby cooked food. Improper storage of both cooked and raw food, including both vegetarian and non-vegetarian items, was observed, with containers lacking lids and exposed to flies and pests.

Townhouse Sri Bhadra Grand

The food safety team found 88 liters of fungal-infested ice cream, valued at Rs. 39,600, and rotten eggs in the refrigerator, both of which were promptly discarded. Synthetic food colors were also used in food preparation.

Additionally, the team discarded 8 kg of biryani, 10 kg of mandi rice, and 0.5 kg of lemon-yellow synthetic food color. Improperly stored semi-prepared and raw food was found in the refrigerator, indicating a temperature control issue.

Food handlers were observed without haircaps, gloves, and aprons, and there was a lack of medical fitness certificates and pest control records. The absence of a water analysis report for RO water used in cooking and drinking was noted. The kitchen was exposed to the outside environment without proper barriers, and open dustbins were observed.

Raghvendra Hotel Tiffins and Meals

The FSSAI license copy was not displayed prominently on the premises. The team found 8 kg of idly batter and 5 liters of boiled milk contaminated with houseflies, which were both discarded.

Proper hygiene was not maintained within the cooking area, and food handlers were found without proper hairnets, aprons, and gloves. Cooked and raw food were left uncovered, and no pest control measures were followed. Prepared food was stored under a roof with spider webs, with oil deposition observed falling from the ceiling.