Begumpet Minerva Hotel customer finds insects in sambhar rice, files complaint with food safety

Hyderabad: A customer has allegedly found insects in sambar rice served at the Minerva Hotel, Tourism Plaza, in Begumpet. A complaint has been filed with the Hyderabad Municipal Corporation’s food safety officer for alleged unhygienic food practices.

According to the complainant, GS Rana, a Hyderabad resident, the incident occurred on January 16 at 2 pm during a visit to the Minerva Hotel.

“I ordered sambar rice and found insects in the dish. This is highly concerning and raises serious questions about the hygiene standards maintained by the hotel,” Rana stated.

Concerns about food safety and public health

In a formal letter to the food safety officer, Rana requested an immediate investigation into the matter.

The letter highlighted concerns about food safety and public health, urging authorities to take necessary action. “Such incidents endanger the health of customers. I request the authorities to inspect the establishment and ensure compliance with food safety standards,” Rana mentioned in the complaint.

Gateway to foodborne illnesses

Food safety experts emphasised the importance of maintaining strict hygiene standards in eateries to protect public health. “Finding insects in food reflects a lapse in basic hygiene practices. Such incidents can lead to serious health risks, including foodborne illnesses,” said Dr Ravi Kumar, a Hyderabad-based public health expert.

Call for regular inspections

The complainant urged authorities to conduct regular inspections to prevent similar incidents in the future. “Frequent inspections can act as a deterrent and ensure that food establishments maintain proper hygiene standards,” Rana added.

No response from hotel

Minerva Hotel management has yet to issue a statement regarding the allegations. Efforts to contact the hotel’s representatives were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.

The food safety department is expected to conduct a thorough investigation and take appropriate action based on its findings. Authorities have reassured the public of their commitment to ensuring food safety across all eateries in the city.