In the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) limits, there are over 20,000 eateries, yet the number of food inspectors employed to monitor them is only 26. However, not all of these inspectors are actively engaged in inspections. Some are on leave, some are attending VIP food inspections, and four are currently suspended.
Ideally, there should be three inspectors assigned to each of the 30 GHMC circles, totaling 90 inspectors for effective oversight. The initiative of various officials has led to an increase in the number of food inspectors from four to 26.
The Food Safety Department, established in 2011, has seen this increase in inspectors over the years. Conducting inspections, collecting samples, and preparing reports for each eatery typically takes four to five hours.
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Recent inspections have resulted in the Food Security Department filing 24 cases against food courts under the Food Safety & Standards Act, 2006. Additionally, over 80 show cause notices have been issued to restaurants since May 1.
Officials conducting inspections have observed an increase in adulteration, particularly in spices, ginger, cumin, and oil. When adulterated items are found, actions are taken not only against the restaurant but also against the suppliers and manufacturers of the adulterated products.
Samples collected from restaurants are sent to the food laboratory in Nacharam, and results are received within 14 days. Based on the severity of violations, fines of up to Rs 5 lakh are imposed on food courts by the Additional Collector. Repeat offenders face license suspension, along with penalties of up to Rs 5 lakh or a minimum suspension period of three months, depending on the severity of the offense.
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