AlinaFood safety department raids Hyderabad
Restaurants in Hyderabad Raided for Violations
The Food Safety Department of Hyderabad recently conducted raids at several popular restaurants in LB Nagar, including The Avenue Bar and Kitchen, The Tree Stories, and Urban Maya Bazaar. The inspections uncovered several violations of food safety and hygiene regulations, raising concerns about the health risks posed by these establishments.
Violations Found at The Avenue Bar and Kitchen
At The Avenue Bar and Kitchen, the inspection team identified multiple food safety violations. One of the most concerning issues was the improper fitting of the kitchen’s backdoor, which could potentially allow pests to enter the premises. In a food service environment, pest infestations pose significant health risks, including contamination of food and surfaces.
Additionally, the restaurant failed to provide a water analysis report for the Reverse Osmosis (RO) water used in food preparation. This is a critical requirement to ensure the safety of water used as an ingredient in cooking. Proper water analysis is essential in the prevention of waterborne diseases.
The inspectors also noted that some of the items in the refrigerator were covered but lacked proper labelling. Food storage practices such as labelling are important to prevent cross-contamination and ensure proper food rotation.
On a more positive note, the inspectors found that the restaurant had obtained medical fitness certificates for its food handlers and maintained pest control records, indicating compliance with some health regulations. The food handlers were also observed wearing hair caps and aprons, demonstrating adherence to hygiene protocols.
The Tree Stories: Serious Non-Compliance Issues
The Tree Stories, another restaurant in Hyderabad, was found operating with an expired FSSAI license, a critical legal requirement for running a food service operation. Operating without a valid license not only breaks regulations but also poses risks to consumer health, as it signifies a lack of regular checks on food quality and safety.
Other violations included the absence of insect-proof screens on the windows and poorly fitted doors, which could allow pests to enter the premises. These issues increase the risk of food contamination, particularly in environments where food is stored and prepared.
Worryingly, the restaurant lacked medical fitness certificates for its food handlers and had no pest control records, both of which are vital to maintaining a hygienic food service environment. The inspectors found that items in the refrigerator were uncovered and unlabelled, raising the risk of contamination.
Expired products, including besan and baked beans, were discovered in the kitchen and discarded immediately to prevent health hazards. Even more alarming, rat faeces were found in the storeroom, suggesting a rat infestation. This poses serious health risks, as rodents are known carriers of various diseases that can be transmitted through food.
Despite these alarming issues, some positive observations were made. Food handlers were seen wearing hair caps and aprons, which shows partial adherence to hygiene practices.
Urban Maya Bazaar: Safety Violations Detected
At Urban Maya Bazaar, another well-known restaurant in Hyderabad, the inspection team found multiple health and safety violations. One of the key issues was the absence of a true copy of the FSSAI license, which should be prominently displayed according to regulations. The lack of a proper license display raises concerns about the restaurant’s commitment to maintaining food safety standards.
Similar to the other restaurants, the kitchen’s backdoor was not properly fitted, allowing houseflies to enter the premises and jeopardizing food safety. Additionally, medical fitness certificates for food handlers and a water analysis report for the water used in food preparation were missing, further indicating non-compliance with safety standards.
The inspection team also found that while some food items in the refrigerator were covered, they were not labelled, which can lead to contamination issues. Open dustbins without lids were also found, adding to the sanitation concerns.
In a more alarming discovery, synthetic food colours suspected of being used in non-vegetarian dishes were found and immediately discarded. These synthetic colours can pose significant health risks when consumed in large quantities.
On a positive note, food handlers at Urban Maya Bazaar were seen wearing hair caps, and the restaurant maintained pest control records, showing some adherence to hygiene protocols.
Conclusion
The recent food safety department raids in Hyderabad have highlighted serious hygiene and safety concerns in several well-known restaurants. While some establishments have complied with certain standards, many violations, such as pest infestations, improper food storage, and expired licenses, were detected, posing potential health risks to customers. These findings emphasize the importance of regular inspections and strict adherence to food safety regulations to ensure public health and safety.
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this article is based on the findings of food safety department raids in Hyderabad and is intended for informational purposes only. Readers are advised to ensure food safety and hygiene practices are followed when dining out.
