Food safety officials in Hyderabad have taken stringent action against a series of popular eateries across the city, suspending the licences of 14 restaurants after discovering multiple health and sanitation violations. The sudden inspection drive, conducted on Saturday, revealed a systemic disregard for food safety norms, including the presence of expired food, pest infestations, and hazardous kitchen environments. Authorities reported the destruction of approximately 544 kg of spoiled vegetables, leftover dishes, and items unfit for human consumption during the operation.
Among the 14 establishments that had their licences suspended are well-known city landmarks, including Shah Ghouse Cafe in Shahalibanda, Hotel Nayaab at Nayapool, and the Dilsukhnagar branch of Mehfil Restaurant. Other outlets impacted by the immediate suspension include Lucky Restaurant, Sohail Restaurant, and various branches of Hotel Sri Raghavendra Udupi Veg. Officials also took action against Sri Balaji Family Dhaba, Siddique Kabab Central Kitchen, Alsaba Hotel, Dine Hill Restaurant, Hotel Akshaya Tiffins, Hotel Venkateshwara, and Aeezebo The Royal Arabian Restaurant.
The inspections highlighted a disturbing array of sanitation failures. At Shah Ghouse Cafe, officials reported finding dough covered with paper, rotten fruits, and expired products. Furthermore, inspectors allegedly observed workers consuming gutka or pan masala while on duty, a direct violation of health guidelines. At the Dilsukhnagar outlet of Mehfil Restaurant, the team documented open garbage bags, the presence of houseflies, damaged drainage systems, and dirty refrigerators. Additionally, approximately 10 kg of used cooking oil, which did not meet quality standards, was discarded on-site.
Reports from the field further detailed deplorable conditions at other locations. At the Tolichowki branch of Hotel Sri Raghavendra Udupi Veg, inspectors discovered rat droppings and drains clogged with food waste, alongside staff members operating without essential protective gear like hairnets or aprons. Similar issues, including structural damage to flooring, overflowing dustbins, and severe cockroach infestations, were recorded at the restaurant's Santosh Nagar location. Across several of these establishments, officials flagged a complete absence of necessary pest-control documentation and mandatory employee health records.
Beyond the 14 suspensions, the health department issued show-cause notices to eight additional prominent establishments, providing them with an opportunity to respond to the violations identified during the inspection drive. This list includes the Taj Falaknuma Palace and Pista House in Shahalibanda. At the Taj Falaknuma Palace, inspectors noted that the total polar compounds (TPC) reading of the used cooking oil reached 27%, surpassing the permissible limit of 24%. The facility also had expired food items on the premises and unclean kitchen equipment, such as stained pizza ovens.
Other establishments served with show-cause notices include Hotel Sabzi, Sweekar Hotel, Mandi at 36 Arabian Kitchen, Golconda Hotel and Resorts, Imperial Multicuisine Restaurant, and Taiba Bakery. These notices mandate that the respective management teams address the cited violations within a specified period to avoid further punitive measures.
The crackdown reflects an intensifying effort by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to ensure public health standards are strictly maintained in the city’s burgeoning hospitality sector. The suspended restaurants are now prohibited from operating until they demonstrate full compliance with food safety regulations. As the city’s food safety department continues its surveillance, the episode serves as a reminder of the critical importance of hygiene protocols in commercial kitchens, highlighting the risks posed to consumers when basic cleanliness, waste disposal, and pest management are neglected.
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