The officials also collected samples for lab analysis (Photo Credit: X/ cfs_telangana)
A food safety task force undertook inspections of two manufacturing units in Hyderabad's Katedan area on November 19, 2024. Several violations were flagged at both establishments. The officials later revealed that they have accordingly suspended their licenses. Firstly, at SKR Food Products, the team seized 1000 kilos of ginger-garlic paste "on suspicion of adulteration and substandard quality." They collected samples to be sent to the lab for a detailed analysis. The officials stated that the manufacturing unit was "highly unhygienic." They noted water stagnation on the premises as well as loose, flaky plaster and particles shedding on the roof above the grinding and packing area. They also observed that the premises did not have insect-proof screens and were thus exposed to the outside environment.
Another issue at this establishment was the lack of records. The task force said that the medical fitness certificates for food handlers, pest control records for the premises and water analysis reports were unavailable with FBO [Food Business Operator].
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The other unit they inspected was Umani Foods International in Katedan. Here, the officials discovered that operations were running "without any name board and address details displayed at the premises." Moreover, the FBO initially obstructed the inspection team from entering. The officials found 50 kilos of a synthetic food colour (Tatrazine) in a store room. They suspected it was being used while making the ginger garlic paste and thus seized it. They also seized 400 kilos of packed paste and collected samples for lab analysis.
The task force stated that the manufacturing premises were "highly unhygienic." It was kept open to the outside premises from the back, there was water stagnation near the cleaning and grinding areas, and cobwebs were observed on the walls and ceiling. Additionally, the food handlers were not wearing hair caps, gloves and aprons. Their medical fitness certificates were unavailable with the FBO. The pest control records for premises and water analysis reports for water used as an ingredient were not available either.
The following day (November 20), the task force revealed that the licenses of both these units were suspended "based on the observations during the inspections and under the provisions of FSS Act, 2006." It has directed the establishments to cease operations immediately. The officials added that "Further action pertaining to criminal and other civil provisions will be taken based on the lab analysis reports."
Before this, the officials inspected a ginger garlic paste manufacturing unit in the Khammam district of Telangana. Apart from other problems, they found and seized 960 Kilos of Paste suspected to be adulterated and being sold at an "abnormally low price." Click here to read the full story.
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