FSSAI licence of iconic Hyderabad hotel Shadab suspended over food safety violations

The Telangana Standards Authority for Food and Essential Drugs (TG SAFE) has shut down two cafes and suspended the FSSAI licence of Hotel Shadab, Madina Circle branch following inspections on Wednesday, that found multiple violations of food safety and hygiene norms.

A total of nine enforcement teams comprising Food Safety Officers and police personnel conducted a special drive at 19 cafes and snack points across Hyderabad on Wednesday.

During the inspections, officials found several violations, including establishments operating without valid FSSAI licences or registrations, poor hygiene in food preparation areas, improper handling and storage of food, expired and spoiled food articles, and infestations of houseflies and cockroaches. Some food handlers were also found without headgear.

Dreamz Cafeteria in Bagh Lingampally and Asiatic Cafe in Panjagutta were closed after officials found that they were operating without valid FSSAI licences or registrations.

The FSSAI licence of Hotel Shadab in Madina was suspended and the management was directed to stop operations following multiple violations related to hygiene, sanitation and the storage of meat and other food articles. However, when The Hindu enquired with the restaurant, they were open for business on Wednesday night.

Nine enforcement teams comprising Food Safety Officers and police personnel from Telangana Standards Authority for Food and Essential Drugs conducted a special drive at 19 cafes and snack points across Hyderabad on Wednesday.
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Officials also discarded perishable food items that had been exposed to dust and flies. Tea powder, ginger-garlic paste, biscuits and other food articles suspected to be adulterated were seized and sent for analysis. A total of 15 food samples were collected on suspicion of adulteration.

TG SAFE said improvement notices would be issued to 12 establishments, including Cafe Persia, Bahar Biryani Cafe, Cafe Deccan, Honeymoon Cafe, Rio Restaurant, Friends and Cafe, Diamond Point Hotel, Hotel Imroz, Blue Sea Tea and Snacks, Nimrah Cafe and Bakery and Gulzar Foods. The establishments will be re-inspected to check compliance with food safety norms, officials said.

TG SAFE further added that show-cause notices will also be issued to Golden Cafe, Dreams Cafeteria, Mirosa Cafe and Kitchen, Asiatic Cafe and Hotel Shadab, with further action proposed for imposing penalties.