Hyderabad: Special Task Force Raids Food-Joints In Banjara

Food safety raids were undertaken in restaurants within Banjara Hills, Hyderabad by the special task force from Telangana's Commissioner of Food Safety on September 2. The raids revealed a series of troubling hygiene violations across the establishments.

Health violations at popular Hyderabad food-joints

At Niloufer Cafe, inspectors found expired ingredients, including 500 grams of cheese, Kashmiri paprika powder, and 5 kilos of roasted peanuts. Unlabelled items such as sugar syrup and spices were discovered in the fridge, while cakes on display lacked proper labeling.

Haiku Restaurant also faced scrutiny, where officials discarded expired cumin seeds, black sesame, tamarind, and red lotus flour. The restaurant's kitchen was in disrepair, with broken tiles, slippery floors, and clogged drains filled with stagnant water and food waste.

Raja Deluxe Restaurant was another site of concern. Inspectors observed similar issues: slippery floors, stagnant water in drains, and poorly fitted insect-proof screens on doors and windows.

The kitchen was found to be in unsanitary conditions, with synthetic food colors disposed of and open dustbins. Additionally, raw meat and other foods were stored together in an unhygienic refrigerator, and the FIFO (First In, First Out) storage method was not followed. The absence of a Food Safety Training and Certification (FoSTaC) trainee further highlighted the establishment's lack of adherence to food safety standards.

These inspections underscore the need for stringent hygiene practices and proper food safety training across Hyderabad’s dining establishments.