Hygiene lapses at Varalaxmi Tiffins, Gachibowli: Rats, unclean surfaces found
Hyderabad: On March 21, 2025, the Telangana State Commissioner of Food Safetyโs Task Force conducted surprise inspections across several areas of Hyderabad, uncovering significant hygiene and safety violations in multiple food establishments.
Kshatriya Foods, Kavuri Hills, Madhapur
The inspection at Kshatriya Foods revealed several hygiene issues. The flooring was dirty, with broken tiles and stagnant water. Greasy chimneys were leaking oil, and the drainage system was clogged with food waste.
Food safety officials discovered a large number of houseflies in the vegetable cutting area, along with the use of synthetic food coloring. The refrigerators were in poor condition, with vegetables and non-vegetarian food stored together, and blood from chicken and mutton was found seeping into the freezer.
Moreover, food handlers were not wearing head caps or gloves, and the meat was kept in unlabeled plastic containers in the refrigerator. The establishment also did not provide pest control records, medical fitness certificates for food handlers, or water analysis reports.
Varalaxmi Tiffins, Gachibowli
At Varalaxmi Tiffins, the kitchen was found in an unhygienic state, with unclean walls and broken flooring. The exhaust was greasy, with oil dripping down. Stagnant water was observed due to clogged drains, and food waste was being discarded directly into the drain.
The grinding area was also unhygienic, with chutney spilled on the walls. Dustbins without lids and rats seen outside the kitchen area added to the sanitation concerns.
Raw ingredients were stored directly on the floor, and the establishment failed to present water analysis reports or medical fitness certificates for food handlers. The use of plastic utensils, many of which were unclean and broken, was also noted.
Hotel Tulips Grand, Turkayamjal, Hayathnagar
The State-level inspection at Hotel Tulips Grand revealed unhygienic conditions in both the cooking and storage areas. An open dustbin was found near the cooking area, and expired mushrooms, insect-infested ice creams, and spoiled poppy seeds were discovered in the store room.
A large quantity of rotten meat (96 kg) was found in the cold chamber, along with infested ice creams worth Rs. 2,500 and 10 packets of spoiled mushrooms, all of which were discarded.
The kitchen lacked a proper drainage system, and oil was being reused for cooking. Like the other establishments, Hotel Tulips Grand could not provide pest control records or medical fitness certificates for food handlers.