With Deepavali just around the corner, food safety officials across Hyderabad are making some unappetizing discoveries. Their ongoing inspections of sweet shops have revealed widespread issues, particularly concerning pests and flies, raising alarms about hygiene as the festive season approaches.
In response, the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) has initiated a dedicated campaign. This special drive is meticulously scrutinizing sweet shops to ensure both the quality of their products and strict adherence to essential sanitation standards in sweet preparation.
These crucial inspections are being conducted across various city circles, with 27 establishments already visited. GHMC officials confirm that the drive is far from over. Shops found in violation are promptly issued notices, and for severe breaches of regulations, more stringent legal actions, including adjudication proceedings, are being considered.
Among the most frequently observed problems were a concerning lack of proper pest control measures, the use of unverified water sources for sweet preparation, and visible house fly infestations in food display areas. Other significant issues included damaged flooring in tiffin sections, missing medical records for food handlers, unsanitary oven conditions, food staff not wearing gloves and hairnets, and the presence of uncovered dustbins.
Authorities are emphasizing the urgent need for food business operators to rigorously implement hygiene standards. Furthermore, they are being directed to clearly label all food items on display, providing crucial details such as the date of preparation and the product’s shelf life to ensure consumer confidence and safety.