Telangana FSD flags several violations at mess of BITS Pilani, Hyderabad campus; notice issued

Hyderabad: Telangana Food Safety Department (FSD) has flagged several violations at the student mess of Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani, Hyderabad campus, following a surprise inspection earlier this week

Multiple Violations Detected

The inspection team reported unhygienic conditions in the kitchen and dining areas. Officials pointed to unclean floors, greasy exhaust fans, damaged pest meshes, and dirty storage spaces as major lapses.

The team also found that the mess lacked a valid Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) license and health records of food handlers. Furthermore, no pest control measures had been carried out, raising concerns about food contamination.

A statement from the department read, “We found unhygienic floors, greasy exhaust fans, damaged pest meshes, and dirty storage areas. The absence of a food license and pest control is a serious violation under the Food Safety and Standards Act.”

Action Taken

Following the inspection, notices were issued to the mess management, which provides food to around 200 students on the campus. The management has been directed to comply with food safety norms and furnish the required licenses and health records.

Officials said that failure to act within the stipulated time may result in penalties, suspension of food services, or prosecution under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

Implications for Students

The findings have raised immediate concerns about student health and food quality. BITS Pilani Hyderabad, established in 2008 as one of the five constituent campuses of BITS Pilani, houses a large residential student community that depends on the mess for daily meals.

If compliance is not ensured, students may face disruption in mess services until corrective actions are taken. Authorities indicated that follow-up inspections will be carried out to check whether violations are rectified.

Next Steps

The Food Safety Department has asked the management to:

Obtain and display a valid FSSAI license.

Conduct pest control at regular intervals.

Maintain health check-up records of food handlers.

Ensure kitchen hygiene, including clean storage and exhaust systems.

Officials confirmed that repeat violations would attract stricter penalties, including possible closure of the facility.

The surprise inspection has brought food safety at the BITS Pilani Hyderabad mess under scrutiny. With notices issued and a compliance timeline set, the management will have to urgently address lapses or risk penalties and potential disruption of services. Students are expected to benefit from stricter monitoring in the coming weeks as authorities push for safer dining standards on campus.