Bad smell, unqualified handlers: Anitha Dairy in Rangareddy found violating safety norms

Hyderabad: A food safety team conducted inspections at various dairy manufacturing units in the Pasumamula Village area in Rangareddy district on May 30 uncovering several critical violations, especially at Anitha Dairy Products.

License and labelling issues

Inspectors found that Anitha Dairy Products has not displayed the required Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) license at the factory premises.

Additionally, the company was manufacturing masala buttermilk packets without the necessary license for this specific food category. As a result, 12 cartons of ‘Tadka paste 09122-01’ used in the production were seized.

The inspection also revealed labelling defects. While the marketer’s address was provided on the packaging, the manufacturer’s address was omitted and replaced with a QR code. This practice fails to meet the labelling standards set by the regulatory authorities.

Sanitation and safety concerns

The task force noted that the manufacturing area was poorly maintained, with water stagnation on the floor and a pervasive bad smell. This poses a significant risk to product safety and hygiene.

Expired Lab Reagents and Unqualified Staff: In the laboratory, reagents and chemicals were found to be expired, leading to their immediate disposal. Moreover, the microbiologist on duty did not possess the necessary qualifications to perform the job.

Food Handlers’ Bad Hygiene Practices: Inspectors observed that some food handlers were not wearing gloves while working, a violation of basic food safety protocols that increases the risk of contamination.

Transportation license issues

It was also discovered that Anitha Dairy Products did not possess a transportation license, nor was this license declared in their central license. This oversight further complicates their compliance with regulatory standards.

Penalty

Failure to comply with food safety regulations and directives issued by a food safety officer will result in a fine of Rs 2 lakhs for any food business operator unless a reasonable justification for non-compliance is provided.