The Hyderabad Food Adulteration Surveillance Team (H-FAST), functioning under the Commissioner’s Task Force, conducted a special enforcement drive across Hyderabad and Ranga Reddy districts to crack down on food adulteration and ensure compliance with food safety regulations.
The operation was carried out in coordination with GHMC Food Safety Officers. During the drive, officials inspected six food business establishments, including food manufacturing units, an ice cream manufacturing unit, murukulu manufacturing units, a bakery and a retail food outlet.
Authorities apprehended six individuals for violating food safety norms. They were handed over to the concerned Food Safety Officers for further legal action under the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
The inspections uncovered multiple violations that posed potential risks to public health. Officials found unhygienic food preparation and storage conditions, use of reused cooking oil and artificial food colours, sale of expired and misbranded food products, absence of valid FSSAI licences, improper food labelling, poor sanitation, pest infestation, inadequate food safety documentation, and improper storage practices.
During the raid, enforcement teams seized reused cooking oil, artificial food colours, and other unsafe food articles. Food samples were also collected and sent for laboratory analysis to determine whether they meet prescribed safety standards.
In addition, notices were issued to the food business operators directing them to immediately rectify the violations and comply with the standards laid down under food safety regulations.
The special drive was led by Inspectors of Police Sri N. Ranjith Kumar Goud and Sri M. Anjaiah of H-FAST, along with H-FAST personnel and GHMC Food Safety Officers.
The Hyderabad City Police urged citizens to purchase food only from licensed and hygienic establishments, verify FSSAI licence details and expiry dates before buying food products, and promptly report suspected cases of food adulteration or unhygienic food practices to the H-FAST toll free helpline at 8712661212 for immediate action.
