Hyderabad: Food safety task force detects multiple violations at NU canteen, Indian Durbar Restaurant, Hotel Ashoka

Hyderabad: A food safety task force inspected multiple eateries in Shamirpet, Narayanaguda, and Lakdikapul, uncovering serious hygiene violations.

The inspections, conducted on February 3 and 4, found expired food items, pest infestations, and a lack of proper safety measures in several establishments, including the NALSAR University canteen, Indian Durbar Restaurant, and Hotel Ashoka.

Hygiene Lapses at NALSAR University Canteen

During the inspection at Sri Sai Ganesh Caterers, which operates the NALSAR University canteen in Shamirpet, officials noted multiple safety lapses. The canteen’s FSSAI license was registered at a different address, and there was no FoSTaC-trained supervisor on-site.

Officials also found rat feces and cockroach infestations in the storeroom, while pest control and water analysis records were unavailable. Several food items were improperly stored, including 90 kg of unlabelled rajma and 30 kg of whole green gram with no packaging details. Additionally, 20 kg of muskmelon seeds were found insect-infested and discarded.

Structural hygiene issues were also noted. The preparation and dining areas lacked insect-proof screens, raw materials were placed directly on the floor without pallets, and temperature records were not maintained.

“The conditions in the canteen pose a serious risk to food safety. Immediate corrective measures are required,” a task force official stated.

Indian Durbar Restaurant Found Using Expired Ingredients

At Indian Durbar Restaurant in Narayanaguda, officials found multiple violations, including cockroach infestations in the kitchen and food handlers working without aprons.

One of the most serious findings was the presence of expired food items, including masala powder, 3.5 kg of cumin powder (expired October 2024), hazelnut syrup (expired September 2024), peach syrup (expired March 2024), and chili flakes (expired March 2024), all of which were discarded.

Additionally, boiled eggs were found near drains without covering, rotten tomatoes, green chilies, and carrots were discarded, and synthetic food colors were in use. Officials also noted that sanitary items were stored alongside food, and pest control records and medical fitness certificates for food handlers were missing.

Hotel Ashoka Faces Food Safety Violations

At Hotel Ashoka in Lakdikapul, kitchen floors and walls were found dirty, with a foul smell. Officials observed cockroach infestations and rusty kitchen vessels used for food preparation.

Expired food items, including rosemary (expired September 2023) and multiple batches of curry-cut chicken (expired January 2025), were found and discarded. Rotten brinjal and cauliflower were also found.

Despite having over 140 workers, the hotel did not have a FoSTaC-trained supervisor, and water analysis reports were unavailable. Officials also found the use of synthetic food colors in prepared dishes.

Corrective Action Ordered

The task force has directed all inspected establishments to immediately address the violations and ensure compliance with food safety regulations. Further action may be taken against those failing to meet hygiene standards.