Metro India News | Hyderabad 

In a major move to enforce food safety norms, the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) has conducted surprise inspections at hospital kitchens across the city. Acting on the directions of the GHMC Commissioner, Food Safety Officers inspected 73 hospital kitchens in various circles.

The inspections revealed several hygiene violations. Officials lifted 14 food samples and sent them to the State Food Laboratory in Nacharam for analysis. Hospitals were instructed to maintain proper hygiene in food preparation, serving, and storage, and ensure clean kitchen environments.

Frequent violations observed include lack of proper storage areas, unclean exhausts, dirty washing zones, and uncovered or unlabelled food items stored in refrigerators. In many places, food was being stored directly on the floor, dustbins were left uncovered, and food was kept alongside non-food items. Alarming lapses also included absence of water testing reports and pest control documentation.

Notices will be issued under the Food Safety & Standards Act, 2006 for any violations found. Serious breaches may lead to adjudication proceedings. GHMC emphasized that strict compliance is essential, especially in hospitals where patient safety is paramount.