Metro India News | Hyderabad 

Acting on increasing public complaints and media reports about poor food quality and expired product deliveries, the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) Food Safety Wing launched surprise inspections on Thursday at retail storage, distribution, and delivery units operated by e-commerce platforms like Zepto, Amazon Fresh, Swiggy, Zomato, Blinkit, Instamart, and BigBasket.

Following the instructions of GHMC Commissioner R.V. Karnan, food safety officers inspected 35 establishments and collected 36 food samples during the drive, which is ongoing. Officials found widespread violations of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and its Rules and Regulations of 2011. Common lapses included food handlers working without hair caps and gloves, improper pest control, mixing of food and non-food items, haphazard storage practices, housefly infestations, and lack of medical fitness certificates for staff.

Notices have been issued to the erring establishments for immediate rectification. In cases of serious violations, adjudication proceedings will be initiated against the responsible companies. GHMC warned that such checks would continue across all circles to ensure food safety standards are strictly followed.