Authorities in Hyderabad have intensified their crackdown on food safety violations, taking action against six food business operators during a special enforcement drive conducted across Hyderabad and Ranga Reddy districts. The operation, carried out by the Hyderabad City Police Commissioner’s Task Force through the Hyderabad Food Adulteration Surveillance Team (H-FAST) in coordination with Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) Food Safety Officers, targeted establishments suspected of violating provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Officials said the drive forms part of an ongoing campaign to curb food adulteration, strengthen compliance with food safety regulations and safeguard public health.
The inspections were conducted on July 17 at six different establishments, including an edible oil and basmati rice repacking unit, an ice cream manufacturing facility, two murukulu (namkeen) manufacturing units, a bakery and a retail grocery and dry fruits outlet. Authorities stated that the operation was aimed at identifying businesses operating in violation of statutory food safety norms and ensuring corrective action against offenders.
During the drive, six individuals associated with the inspected establishments were apprehended and handed over to the respective Food Safety Officers for further legal proceedings under the Food Safety and Standards Act and other applicable laws. Officials said notices were also issued directing the operators to rectify deficiencies and comply with mandatory food safety requirements within the prescribed timeframe.
Inspection teams reported multiple violations that could potentially pose health risks to consumers. Officials found food being prepared, handled and stored under unhygienic conditions at several locations. Investigators also detected the repeated use of cooking oil, use of artificial food colours, and improper storage of food items that could adversely affect food quality and safety.
Authorities further discovered expired and misbranded food products during the inspections. Some establishments were found operating without prominently displaying valid Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) licences, while others failed to maintain proper product labelling and statutory records required under food safety regulations.
The enforcement teams also observed poor sanitation standards, including pest and cockroach infestation, pigeon contamination, inadequate housekeeping and the absence of regular pest control measures in certain units. Officials noted that such conditions significantly increase the risk of food contamination and compromise consumer safety.
Inspectors found that several food handlers were working without essential protective equipment such as gloves, hairnets and other personal hygiene gear. In addition, some establishments failed to maintain mandatory water quality reports, food testing records and employee health documentation, all of which are required to ensure compliance with prescribed food safety standards.
As part of the operation, authorities seized reused cooking oil, artificial food colours and other food items considered unsafe for consumption. Food samples collected during the inspections have been sent to accredited laboratories for detailed scientific analysis. Further legal action will depend on the laboratory findings and the outcome of the ongoing investigation.
The enforcement drive comes amid Telangana’s intensified campaign against food adulteration. The state government has adopted a zero-tolerance approach towards food adulteration and has directed enforcement agencies to conduct regular inspections across food manufacturing, processing and retail establishments. Authorities are also examining proposals for stricter legal provisions and enhanced penalties against individuals and businesses involved in the manufacture or sale of adulterated food.
According to the Future Crime Research Foundation, food adulteration and food safety violations continue to pose serious public health challenges, particularly where regulatory compliance is weak. Experts recommend regular inspections, laboratory testing, digital traceability of food products, strict licensing enforcement and stronger coordination among food safety authorities, police and local civic bodies to improve compliance. Consumers are also advised to purchase food products only from licensed establishments, check expiry dates and packaging details carefully, and report suspected food safety violations to the concerned authorities so that timely enforcement action can be initiated.
