Case booked against Meridian Hotel in Punjagutta for serving cockroaches in chicken dish
Hyderabad: The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation’s (GHMC) Food Safety officials have booked a case against Meridian Hotel in Punjagutta after customers reported finding cockroaches in a chicken dish served at the establishment. The court will soon decide on the appropriate fine for the severe violation.
Following a complaint on August 3, 2024, a Food Safety Officer from GHMC inspected the premises of Meridian Hotel and submitted an inspection report. The GHMC issued a notice to the hotel, leading to an STC (Summary Trial Case) booking against the establishment.
The incident was initially reported on August 2, when customers discovered cockroaches in their meal, sparking widespread concern and prompting immediate action from food safety authorities.
Srikhande Umesh Kumar, a customer, took to ‘X,’ formerly Twitter to raise awareness about the issue. He tagged the Commissioner of Food Safety, the Assistant Food Controller from GHMC, and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), stating, “Despite multiple inspections, hygiene standards at local eateries remain a concern. Cockroaches were observed at Meridian Restaurant, Punjagutta. Urging authorities @fssaiindia to take immediate action.”
Dear Citizen,
The concerned Food Safety Officer inspected the premises on 3rd August 2024 upon receipt of the complaint and submitted the inspection report, a notice has been issued and an STC case was booked against the Establishment.. pic.twitter.com/VVb5J49hUY
— Assistant Food Controller GHMC (@AFCGHMC) August 6, 2024
Another customer mentioned that this was not the first time such findings had occurred at the Meridian Hotel. “Finding cockroaches is not a new occurrence; previously, when we ordered mutton biryani at the Meridian restaurant in Punjagutta, we received cockroach biryani instead. Earlier, we found a fly in our food. Please check the kitchen conditions,” the customer said.
Speaking with the Hyderabad Mail, Umesh Kumar expressed frustration over the unhygienic conditions. “Why are eateries not improving their conditions despite inspections by the Food Safety Department? Hoteliers need to be penalised for unhygienic practices, and if issues persist, their licenses should be revoked. Continuous problems highlight the need for stricter enforcement of food safety regulations and more rigorous penalties for non-compliance.”
Additional concerns have been raised about Bahar Cafe in KPHB Phase 3. Customers have reported sightings of rats roaming freely and consuming leftovers. Manish, known as @WoMotaWalaLadka on ‘X,’ urged immediate intervention, stating, “Urgent action needed at Bahar Cafe! Hygiene is non-existent, with rats freely roaming tables, terrible food quality, and arrogant owners ignoring complaints. Please investigate ASAP!”
Cockroaches found in chicken dish at Meridian Restaurant in Punjagutta
