HYDERABAD: Taj Falaknuma Palace and Golconda Hotel and Resorts at Masab Tank were among eight food establishments issued show-cause notices by the Telangana Standards Authority for Food and Essential Drugs (TG SAFE) following inspections in Hyderabad on Saturday.
The other establishments served notices were Hotel Sabzi near Itebar Chowk, Mandi at 36 Arabian Kitchen in Charminar, Pista House at Shahalibanda, Sweekar Hotel at Santosh Nagar, Imperial Multicuisine Restaurant at Tolichowki and Taiba Bakery on Bazarghat Main Road.
Officials said serious food safety violations were found during the inspections. Further action, including penalties, would be initiated against the establishments.
An official source said inspectors found expired and mislabelled food items and pest infestation at Taj Falaknuma Palace. Frozen meat was being stored with a stated shelf life of 90 days without supporting shelf-life studies, the source added.
Cooking oil at Taj Falaknuma exceeds permissible TPC limit
Cooking oil in use at the hotel was also tested. Its total polar compounds (TPC) count was found to be 27, above the permissible limit of 25.
A show-cause notice was issued to the establishment, and its management has been asked to appear and explain the violations. A compoundable case will also be booked, the official said.
Fourteen establishments face suspension of FSSAI licences
TG SAFE also suspended the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) licences of 14 restaurants and food establishments in the Golconda and Charminar zones after inspections revealed unhygienic kitchens, pest infestation, expired food items and improper storage practices.
The establishments are Hotel Sri Raghavendra Udupi Veg at Brindavan Colony Road and Alsaba Hotel at Tolichowki; Lucky Restaurant and Hotel Sri Raghavendra Udupi Veg at Santosh Nagar; Shah Ghouse Cafe at Shahalibanda; Hotel Nayaab at Nayapul; Sri Balaji Family Dhaba and Siddique Kabab Central Kitchen at Gudimalkapur; Mehfil Restaurant at Dilsukhnagar; Dine Hill Restaurant, Sohail Restaurant and Hotel Akshaya Tiffins at Malakpet; Hotel Venkateshwara on MJR Road; and Aeezebo The Royal Arabian Restaurant at Salarjung Colony, Rethibowli.
Officials reported cockroach, housefly and rodent infestation in several kitchens. Other violations included damaged or waterlogged floors, greasy exhaust systems, unclean refrigerators, expired and fungus-contaminated food, and raw meat stored alongside vegetarian food. Inspectors also found uncovered food, missing labels and food handlers working without hairnets or aprons.
At Siddique Kabab Central Kitchen, officials reported cats roaming inside the kitchen. Cockroaches were found in the drinking water storage tank at Aeezebo The Royal Arabian Restaurant.
At Shah Ghouse Cafe, inspectors found workers consuming gutka or pan masala, besides food articles affected by pests and fungal contamination.
