Telangana Food Raids reveal Violations
Food Raids in Telangana Expose Safety Violations
Raid at Sunny Foods, Manoharabad
On December 3, the Telangana food safety team conducted a raid at Sunny Foods in Kallakal, Manoharabad, uncovering alarming violations. Operating without a valid FSSAI license, the establishment was also found misusing attractive but irrelevant pictorials and names on its products, a direct violation of FSSAI labeling guidelines.
The inspection revealed the use of expired food additives, such as tomato masala and Maggi masala, in the preparation of ready-to-eat snacks. To safeguard public health, the authorities seized and discarded snacks, including Namkeen, chips, and colored saunf, worth Rs 2.13 lakh.
FSSAI’s Advisory to eCommerce Food Operators
In response to the increasing food safety violations across Telangana, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) issued a detailed advisory to eCommerce food business operators (FBOs). The advisory emphasizes the need for robust food safety practices and better hygiene protocols.
Key points from the advisory include:
- Training last-mile delivery personnel in food safety and hygiene.
- Ensuring the separation of food and non-food items during transportation to prevent cross-contamination.
- Mandating that product claims on eCommerce platforms align with the actual physical labels under FSSAI Labeling and Display Regulations 2020.
FSSAI also highlighted that the shelf life of food products at the time of delivery must be at least 30% or 45 days of their total shelf life. Furthermore, no food business operator can be listed on an eCommerce platform without a valid FSSAI license or registration displayed prominently.
Recurring Food Raids in Telangana
The Telangana food safety department continues its vigilance with frequent raids on restaurants, bakeries, and manufacturing units. These inspections aim to uphold food safety standards and protect consumers.
November Raids at Hyderabad Restaurants and Bakeries
On November 11, the department raided several establishments, including Dolphin Bakery, LS Bakers, Tanuja Logii, and Kaveri Family Restaurant in Suryapet. These raids uncovered multiple violations, highlighting the ongoing need for stringent enforcement of food safety laws.
Nutraceutical Manufacturing Units Raided
On November 20, food safety officials targeted nutraceutical manufacturing units in IDA Mallapur. The inspection revealed significant safety violations at Vin Biomed and Nuvista Pharmaceutical Pvt Ltd. Among the confiscated items were six kilograms of co-Enzyme Q10 (Nutra) Powder, valued at Rs 50,000, and 17 kilograms of MK Cocoa Powder, worth Rs 6,800. Both products lacked valid FSSAI licenses and necessary batch numbers, posing a serious threat to consumer safety.
Importance of Food Safety in Telangana
The repeated food raids in Telangana underscore the critical need for businesses to adhere to FSSAI guidelines. These violations not only compromise consumer health but also tarnish the reputation of the food industry.
Consumers are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious practices. The Telangana food safety department is actively working to eliminate malpractices and ensure that all food products meet the required standards.
Conclusion
The recent food raids in Telangana highlight the ongoing challenges in maintaining food safety. From unlicensed operations to the use of expired additives, these violations jeopardize public health and safety. With the Telangana food safety department and FSSAI taking proactive measures, the focus remains on creating a safer food environment for all.
Food safety is a shared responsibility. While regulatory bodies enforce laws, consumers and businesses must also play their part by adhering to guidelines and reporting violations. The commitment to food safety ensures not only public health but also the integrity of the food industry in Telangana.
Disclaimer:
The information provided is based on reported incidents from food safety raids in Telangana. Details may change as new updates emerge. Readers are advised to follow official FSSAI guidelines for accurate and verified information.