Beware! How fake food safety officer checks are targeting food stalls in Hyderabad
HYDERABAD: Food stall owners in Ranga Reddy district are being targeted by fraudsters claiming to be Food Safety Officers. These fake officials visit roadside stalls, dhabas, and small eateries, threatening checks and fines unless owners pay them cash on the spot. Some even offer fake food safety licenses and training certificates for money.
Manoj Kumar,Ranga Reddy District Food Safety Officer, said the department has received complaints from food stall owners about these tricks. He made it clear that real Food Safety Officers never demand cash during inspections or offer licenses for money on the spot. Any such demand is a sign of cheating.
He stressed that all food safety licenses, permits, and training are only given through official government channels. No officer is allowed to collect cash or issue certificates at a stall or shop.
The warning comes as regular food safety inspections are happening across the state. Stall owners are advised to contact the Food Safety Department directly if they are approached by anyone making suspicious demands or claiming to be an official.
He told traders to be careful and report any suspicious people or incidents to the District Food Safety Department right away. He repeated that traders should not give cash to anyone who is not an authorized official. Traders should check the identity of anyone claiming to be from the department before giving information or money.
Strict action will be taken against anyone caught pretending to be a Food Safety Officer or cheating food stall owners. The department wants to make sure all inspections are fair and safe for local businesses.
