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Food safety raids in Telangana
Food Safety Team Raids Dairy Stores in Telangana
The Food Safety Department of Telangana has been actively conducting inspections to ensure compliance with food safety standards across the state. Recently, food safety raids in Telangana led to the discovery of multiple violations at dairy stores, raising concerns about hygiene and quality control. Among these inspections, Kohinoor Dairy Products, located in Medchal District’s Peerzadiguda area, was found to have significant irregularities.
Kohinoor Dairy Products Found in Unhygienic Conditions
During the food safety raids in Telangana, the task force visited Kohinoor Dairy Products, where they found the premises to be in poor hygienic condition. The inspection revealed that the store lacked proper documentation for milk procurement and sales records, making it difficult to trace the origin and distribution of dairy products. Additionally, the facility did not have a quality control laboratory or arrangements for external testing, a crucial requirement to ensure the safety of dairy products.
The food safety team also noted the absence of medical records for the food handlers working at the dairy store, which is mandatory to ensure that individuals handling food are fit and free from communicable diseases. These findings raised questions about the store’s adherence to the safety standards expected in the dairy industry.
Unorganized Storage and Lack of Training Highlighted
The food safety raids in Telangana also exposed poor storage conditions at Kohinoor Dairy Products. The inspection team observed that the raw material storage area was disorganized, with wet walls and a layout resembling a dump site. This state of disarray could potentially lead to contamination of dairy products, posing risks to consumer health.
Additionally, the inspection team discovered that food handlers at the facility had not received the mandatory Food Safety Training and Certification (FOSTAC), which is essential for maintaining food safety standards. The floor conditions at the store were also found to be slippery, with inadequate slopes for proper drainage, further contributing to the unhygienic environment.
Regulatory Violations Identified During Inspection
The food safety raids in Telangana revealed several regulatory violations at the Kohinoor Dairy Products facility. The inspection team found that the store lacked a pest control certification and had not obtained necessary permissions from pollution control authorities. Most notably, the store did not have a valid Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) license, a fundamental requirement for any food business operator (FBO).
During the inspection, statutory samples were collected from the premises and sent for laboratory analysis to assess the safety and quality of the products. These tests will help determine if the dairy products meet the standards set by the food safety regulations in Telangana.
Other Dairy Store Inspections in Hyderabad
In addition to the Kohinoor Dairy Products inspection, food safety raids in Telangana were conducted at various other dairy stores in Hyderabad. Among these, Sri Murugan Ghee Stores in Sultan Bazar, Hyderabad, was found to have significant lapses. The FSSAI license copy was not displayed on the premises, which is a mandatory requirement for transparency. Furthermore, the storeroom and packing area had broken windows, and insect-proof screens were missing, increasing the risk of contamination.
Violations at Mysore Ghee Stores and Shree Mahalakshmi Kendra
During the food safety raids in Telangana, the inspection team also visited Mysore Ghee Stores in Sultan Bazaar. Here, packed food articles like dry fruits, butter, and ghee were found without proper labels. Labeling is crucial for providing consumers with accurate information about the contents and quality of food products. The lack of labeling was a serious violation of food safety norms.
Similarly, at Shree Mahalakshmi Kendra in Kutbiguda, the inspection revealed the absence of Medical Fitness Certificates for food handlers, which are required to ensure that those handling food are in good health. The facility also lacked records of pest control measures, a key component in maintaining a hygienic environment in food storage and processing areas.
Impact of Food Safety Raids on Consumer Safety
The food safety raids in Telangana serve as a crucial reminder of the importance of maintaining high standards in food processing and storage. The violations uncovered during these inspections highlight the need for regular monitoring of food businesses to ensure compliance with safety norms. With dairy products being a staple in many households, it is imperative that such businesses adhere to the necessary regulations to ensure consumer safety.
The findings from these raids underline the commitment of the Telangana Food Safety Department to safeguarding public health. By identifying and addressing these irregularities, the department aims to ensure that food businesses operate in a manner that prioritizes hygiene and safety.
Ongoing Efforts to Strengthen Food Safety
As part of its ongoing efforts, the Food Safety Department of Telangana is expected to continue its focus on inspections and monitoring of food establishments across the state. The food safety raids in Telangana demonstrate a proactive approach to preventing potential health hazards and ensuring that businesses meet the standards set by regulatory authorities.
For businesses found violating the regulations, these raids serve as a wake-up call to improve their practices and prioritize consumer safety. Moving forward, the department is likely to maintain its vigilance and work towards creating a safer food ecosystem in Telangana, benefiting both consumers and compliant businesses.
Disclaimer: This content is based on available information regarding the food safety raids conducted in Telangana. Details are subject to change, and readers are advised to follow official announcements for updates.
