Food safety crisis deepens in Hyderabad

Food Safety Radar

■ The Spice Kitchen outlet scored just 56 per cent in the hygiene assessment

■ La Pino'z Pizza in Jubilee Enclave secured 67 per cent in hygiene

■ Subway outlet in Kondapur scored 60 per cent

■ Bahar Cafe in Madeenaguda scored 40 per cent

ekalavya mallepalli | Hyderabad 

Cockroaches in kitchens, rotten vegetables in refrigerators, mould-covered produce, stale food in freezers and suspected adulterated paneer entering the market — a fresh series of inspections has once again exposed alarming food safety concerns across Hyderabad, raising questions about the standards being maintained by restaurants and food suppliers.

During surprise inspections conducted across Cyberabad on June 17 and 18, food safety teams uncovered multiple violations at several popular eateries. At The Spice Kitchen in PNR Empire, inspectors found heavy cockroach infestation, grain pests in food stocks, stale food in freezers and poor sanitation practices. The outlet scored just 56 per cent in the hygiene assessment and was issued an improvement notice.

La Pino'z Pizza in Jubilee Enclave was found with heavy cockroach infestation, expired spice mixes, flavoured syrups and bread products, microbial contamination inside a freezer, lizard droppings near food storage areas and improper storage of food items. The restaurant secured a hygiene score of 67 percent.

At a Subway outlet in Kondapur, officials found rotten lettuce stored in chillers, vegetables beyond their use-by date and flies in food preparation areas. The outlet scored only 60 per cent in the hygiene audit. AnTeRa Restaurant in Madeenaguda was found storing several food items without proper labelling, while mould growth was detected on cauliflower and potatoes. Officials also found cooking oil that was no longer fit for use and ordered its disposal.

Bahar Cafe in Madeenaguda fared the worst, scoring only 40 per cent. Officials found open drains, untested water used for cooking and drinking, poor kitchen hygiene, food waste accumulation, damaged infrastructure and missing medical fitness records of food handlers. A show-cause notice was issued and the establishment was directed to suspend kitchen operations until corrective measures were completed.

Not every outlet failed the inspections. 10 Pounder Pizzeteria near SMR Vinay Technopolis scored an impressive 94 per cent and was commended for maintaining proper sanitation, food segregation, record maintenance and overall compliance with food safety norms.

Officials said the inspections are part of an ongoing drive to strengthen food safety standards across Cyberabad. They stressed that proper food labelling, date marking, pest control, sanitation, safe storage practices and maintenance of mandatory records are essential requirements. Improvement notices have been issued to non-compliant establishments, while serious violations could attract stricter enforcement action.

The findings have triggered strong reactions from citizens. Nitya, a Hyderabad resident, said punishment for violators should serve as a deterrent. “These people are playing with the lives of innocent customers,” she said. Another citizen urged food delivery platforms such as Swiggy and Zomato to display official hygiene ratings alongside restaurant listings. Some residents also questioned how establishments with severe hygiene violations continue to remain operational.

Yeshwanth, a resident of Alwal, recalled reporting unhygienic conditions at a popular restaurant. Instead of addressing the issue, he alleged that the management attempted to pacify him with complimentary packaged food. “People spend so much money expecting quality food and safety. Instead, many are risking their health,” he said.

Food safety experts believe stricter penalties, public disclosure of hygiene ratings and swift action against repeat offenders are essential to restore consumer confidence and protect public health.

H-FAST Seizes 825 Kg fake paneer

On Thursday, the Hyderabad Food Adulteration Surveillance Team (H-FAST) seized around 825 kilograms of suspected adulterated paneer that was allegedly being sold as paneer despite being a cheese analogue product made from vegetable fats and non-milk ingredients without proper declaration. Officials said such practices mislead consumers and pose serious food safety concerns.