TG SAFE suspends licences of 13 food establishments in Nizamabad

HYDERABAD: The Telangana Standards Authority for Food and Essential Drugs (TG SAFE) suspended licences of 13 food establishments in Nizamabad district following inspections that revealed violations of food safety norms. The establishments have been directed to stop business operations immediately in the interest of public health.

A total of 14 enforcement teams comprising food safety officers and police personnel inspected 28 establishments involved in the manufacture of spices, packaged drinking water, sweets and other food products on Tuesday.

During the inspections, officials detected unhygienic kitchens, cockroach and rodent infestations, expired food products, spoiled vegetables, improper storage practices and food handlers working without protective gear. Several units were also found using newspapers to cover food articles and selling loose powdered spices in violation of food safety regulations.

The suspended licences include those of LP Products, Zunaira Family Restaurant, Chappan Bhog Sweets, Qureshia Hotel, Water Solution Company, Janatha Traders, Ira Foods and Beverages, Sukhjit Starch Mills, Sri Ayyappa Traders, Radhe Mithai Watika, Shree Radhe Enterprises, Mogh Foods and Quality Sweets and Chikki.

The officials collected 26 samples on suspicion of adulteration and seized or discarded 9,645 kg of food articles worth Rs 17.28 lakh.

Four establishments – Maharaja Sweet & Bakes, Panchavati Sweets, Shiva Shakti Ice Cream and Sagar Bakery – were closed for operating without an FSSAI license.

Show-cause notices were issued to 12 establishments, while improvement notices will be served on three others. Officials said further action, including penalties, would follow based on the violations and compliance status.