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Safety Pin Found in Biryani at Popular Hyderabad Restaurant
In a disturbing incident at Mehfil restaurant in Hyderabad’s Manikonda area, a customer discovered a safety pin in their biryani, sparking concern among patrons. This comes shortly after another customer found bugs in a biryani ordered from Mehfil’s Kukatpally branch.
Expressing dismay, the customer shared a photo of the tainted biryani on Saturday, June 29, and promptly tagged authorities for action.
Hyderabad Police responded by directing the customer to contact Cyberabad Police via WhatsApp, urging them to also notify the GHMC (Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation).
The customer stated, “Thanks for the quick response. We hope such incidents won’t recur for others. Please take necessary action against the restaurant.”
This incident surfaces amidst ongoing scrutiny by the Telangana Food Safety Department, which has been conducting raids on food establishments across the state, including restaurants, hostels, PGs, and food processing units, with a focus on areas under GHMC jurisdiction.
Safety Tips for Dining Out:
- Inspect Your Food: Always inspect your food visually before consuming it, especially if it’s served in a manner that could conceal foreign objects.
- Speak Up: If you find anything unusual in your food, such as foreign objects or signs of contamination, immediately notify the restaurant staff or management.
- Document and Report: Take photos if possible and report the incident to the restaurant management and relevant authorities like food safety departments or local health authorities.
- Follow Up: If you encounter an issue with food safety, follow up with the restaurant to ensure they take appropriate corrective actions.
- Choose Reputable Establishments: Opt for well-known and reputable restaurants that prioritize food safety and hygiene standards.
- Stay Informed: Stay updated on food safety regulations and your rights as a consumer regarding food quality and safety.
- Trust Your Instincts: If something seems off about the food or the establishment, trust your instincts and consider dining elsewhere.
- Spread Awareness: Share your experiences responsibly to inform and educate others about food safety and hygiene issues.
Precautionary Steps for Food Safety:
- Visual Inspection: Before consuming any dish, visually inspect it for any foreign objects, unusual colors, or signs of contamination.
- Check Temperature: Ensure hot foods are served hot (above 140°F or 60°C) and cold foods are kept cold (below 40°F or 4°C) to prevent bacterial growth.
- Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to ask restaurant staff about the preparation methods and ingredients used in your dish, especially if you have allergies or dietary restrictions.
- Clean Hands: Wash your hands thoroughly before eating or use hand sanitizer if washing facilities are not readily available.
- Avoid Cross-Contamination: Be mindful of how food is handled and served to prevent cross-contamination between raw and cooked foods.
- Review Food Safety Ratings: Check the restaurant’s food safety ratings or inspections, if available, to gauge their adherence to hygiene standards.
- Report Concerns Promptly: If you encounter any food safety issues such as foreign objects in your food, notify the restaurant management immediately.
- Follow Up: Follow up with the restaurant to ensure they take appropriate measures to address your concerns and prevent similar incidents in the future.
- Stay Informed: Stay informed about food safety guidelines and regulations to better protect yourself and others.
- Share Feedback: Provide constructive feedback to restaurants about your dining experience, including any food safety concerns, to help improve standards.
