H-Fast Busts Unlicensed Fast-food Godown in Charminar; Seizes Adulterated Food
During the inspection, it was found that food items were being prepared and stored under extremely unhygienic and hazardous conditions, posing a serious threat to public health
Hyderabad: In a continued crackdown on food adulteration and unsafe food practices, the Hyderabad Food Adulteration Surveillance Team (H-FAST) along with the Food Safety Officer (FSO) conducted a surprise raid on an illegal fast food godown operating near Charminar under the limits of Hussainialam police station.
Following information, the team inspected the premises of Al Akbar Fast Food and Godown at New Laad Bazar in Panch Mohalla, Charminar. During the inspection, it was found that food items were being prepared and stored under extremely unhygienic and hazardous conditions, posing a serious threat to public health.
The officials observed major violations including absence of a mandatory FSSAI licence, using prohibited or artificial food colours, reuse of stale and hazardous cooking oil and absence of water analysis certification and quality control measures. Gross unhygienic conditions and lack of pest control were also observed.
The police seized approximately 110 kg of prepared fried chicken, half a dozen tins of loose cooking oil each 15 litres and artificial chemical food colours. The police nabbed two persons responsible for running the illegal operations, said Vaibhav Raghunath Gaikwad, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Task Force.
Explaining the health risks to consumers, Gaikwad said consumption of such adulterated and unhygienic food may lead to food poisoning, vomiting, and diarrhea, gastrointestinal infections, long-term health issues due to repeated consumption of reused oil.
Allergic reactions and toxicity may be caused due to artificial food colours, increased risk of serious illnesses affecting the liver and overall health.
The accused, by concealing these unsafe practices and supplying adulterated food to consumers, have endangered public health and gained unlawfully. A case has been registered in Hussainialam police station under relevant provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act-2006 and other applicable laws.
In an advisory, the police asked the public to consume food only from licensed establishments, verify the FSSAI licence before purchase, avoid artificially coloured or suspicious food and report unsafe food practices. For complaints, contact Toll-Free Number: 8712661212.
