Hyderabad Food Raids Uncover Contaminated Cashews, Unclean Sweet Units
HYDERABAD: Insect-infested cashew nuts, expired ingredients and food exposed to flies were found during recent food safety raids across Telangana, raising public health concerns.
In a statewide drive, the Food Safety Department inspected 109 confectionery manufacturing and retail establishments. Officials collected 190 samples for laboratory analysis to check quality and safety standards.
Authorities seized suspected unsafe products, including candies, éclairs, chocolates, mango bites, imitation chocolates and flavoured sweets, from multiple districts. Around 35 kg of expired or unsafe items were discarded during inspections.
Cashew repacking unit found with contaminated stock
During a surprise inspection on March 28, the Flying Squad raided a cashew repacking agency in Mallapur and reported serious lapses. About 36 kg of cashew nuts were found infested with insects and were immediately discarded.
Officials also seized 210 kg of cashew, valued at nearly ₹1.5 lakh, on suspicion of poor quality. Samples have been sent for laboratory testing.
Authorities issued improvement notices and show-cause notices to several units for violating food safety norms.
Kulfi and falooda unit operating in unhygienic conditions
In another inspection in Mallapur, officials found hygiene violations at a unit manufacturing kulfi, falooda and badam milk. Food items were exposed to flies, and badam milk was being prepared under unhygienic conditions.
Nearly 50 litres of contaminated products were discarded on the spot to prevent health risks. Officials said action is being initiated against the food business operator.
