Hyderabad restaurants face licence cancellations after food safety raids

The Telangana Food and Essential Drugs Standards Authority (TG SAFE) conducted surprise inspections across 20 establishments in Hyderabad’s IT corridor, including Madhapur, HITEC City, and Gachibowli. The raids targeted various restaurants to investigate food safety violations.

As a result of the inspections, 11 restaurants had their FSSAI licences cancelled or suspended, with orders for the immediate cessation of all operations. Notable establishments served improvement notices include Shah Ghouse Hotel, Hotel Shadab, and Rameshwaram Café. Other businesses, such as 63 Degrees Modern Regional Buffet, Minerva Grand, and Hotel Avasa, were issued show-cause notices.

Inspectors reported severe hygiene issues, including cockroach and rodent infestations, unhygienic kitchen conditions, and poor drainage maintenance. Specific violations included the storage of expired spices and spoiled vegetables, as well as the improper storage of raw meat alongside cooked food. In some locations, officials observed food handlers using gutka and found cigarette butts on the premises. Authorities have collected 21 food samples for laboratory testing.