Kritunga, Head Quarters Rest-o-Bar, and KFC in Somajiguda violate food safety norms

Hyderabad: On 21st May 2024, the FSSAI Task Force Team, led by the Commissioner of Food Safety, conducted a series of stringent inspections across several food establishments in Somajiguda, Hyderabad.

The inspections aimed to ensure compliance with food safety regulations and protect public health. Violations were uncovered at Kritunga – The Palegar’s Cuisine Restaurant, Head Quarters Rest-o-Bar, and KFC, leading to the immediate discarding of unsafe food items and identification of critical hygiene and safety lapses.

Kritunga – The Palegar’s Cuisine Restaurant

Unlicensed Paneer: 6 kilograms of Ganga Gold Paneer, valued at Rs. 2,100, were found in sealed packets without an FSSAI License, logo, or use-by dates. These were discarded on the spot.

Expired Products: 6 kilograms of Methi Malai Paste, worth Rs. 1,800, were found to have expired on 3rd April 2024 and were similarly discarded.

Water Quality Issues: 156 units of 1-liter water bottles of Kritunga Palegar’s Brand, worth Rs. 7,800, were seized due to a TDS value of just 4ppm. Samples were sent to a laboratory for further analysis.

Improper Labelling: Non-veg paste worth Rs. 648 and a packet of citric acid worth Rs. 150 were found without proper labeling and were discarded.

Storage Concerns: Semi-prepared and raw food items were stored inside a refrigerator without proper labeling or covering.

Hygiene Violations: The kitchen premises were open to the outside environment without adequate barriers to prevent pest entry. Dustbins were found open without lids.

Safety and Health Oversights: Food handlers were found without haircaps, gloves, and aprons. Medical fitness certificates for food handlers and pest control records were not available. Additionally, the water analysis report for RO water used at the premises was missing.

Head Quarters Rest-o-Bar

At Head Quarters Rest-o-Bar, the task force identified several issues:

Unlabeled Products: 50 pizza bases worth Rs. 400, 5 packets of garlic bread worth Rs. 800, and 5 kilograms of noodles worth Rs. 400 were discarded due to lack of labels on their sealed packs.

Improper Food Storage: Food items stored inside the refrigerator were not labeled properly.

Hygiene Violations: Food handlers were found without haircaps, gloves, and aprons. The kitchen premises were open to the outside environment without proper barriers to prevent pest entry, and dustbins were open without lids.

Health and Safety Concerns: Medical fitness certificates for food handlers were not available.

Food Storage Issues: Vegetarian and non-vegetarian food items were stored together in the refrigerator.

Prohibited Substances: Synthetic food colors were found in use and the stock, worth Rs. 400, was discarded on the spot.

KFC Somajiguda

At KFC, the inspection revealed that the FSSAI License true copy was not displayed at any prominent location on the premises.

Penalty

The Commissioner of Food Safety for the Government of Telangana oversaw the inspection and emphasized the importance of compliance with food safety regulations to ensure public health.

Failure to comply with food safety regulations and directives issued by a Food Safety Officer will result in a fine of ₹2 lakh for any food business operator, unless a reasonable justification for non-compliance is provided.