Hyderabad: The Telangana Standards Authority for Food and Essential Drugs (TG SAFE) has suspended the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India  (FSSAI) licences and registrations of five food establishments across the state following inspections that revealed serious violations of food safety and hygiene norms.

The establishments have been directed to immediately stop their business operations in the interest of public health, according to a press note issued by TG SAFE Commissioner on Friday, November 6.

The establishments facing action include a KFC outlet operated by Devyani International Limited at Christian Colony, Sawaran Street, Karimnagar; Pista House Restaurant at Muthangi in Patancheru mandal; Ganapathi Hotel Mess and Hostel at Patancheru Bus Stand in Sangareddy district; Nawabi Delights at Dhobi Ghat, Madannapet; and SK Bakers and Fast Food at Ayodhya Nagar Colony, Mehdipatnam.

Bad oil at KFC, cockroaches at Pista House

During the inspection of the KFC outlet in Karimnagar, Food Safety Officers reportedly found that the Total Polar Compounds (TPC) readings of cooking oil used for frying French fries and chicken items were 31 and 35.5 respectively. Around 90 litres of cooking oil was removed from the fryers and seized. The inspection also revealed foul smell in the thawing area, housefly infestation and unhygienic freezers containing dust and food debris.

At Pista House in Muthangi, officials reportedly found cockroaches, clogged drains, damaged and unclean vessels and improper storage of vegetarian and non-vegetarian food items in the same refrigerators. Raw and cooked meat were also stored together. The washing and cooking areas were not properly separated, while food handlers were found working without gloves. Several mandatory records, including medical certificates and pest-control records, were missing.

The inspection of Ganapathi Hotel Mess and Hostel revealed particularly unhygienic conditions, with cockroaches in the kitchen and even in chutney and rice containers, the release stated. Rat droppings were found on vegetables and food particles, while rotten cabbage, onions and brinjals were stored on the premises. Officials also found expired food articles and fungus in stored dal. The kitchen was dark, greasy and poorly ventilated, and mandatory water analysis and employee health records were unavailable.

At Nawabi Delights in Madannapet, officials noticed poor cleanliness, dust accumulation, insects inside the refrigerator and a lack of pest-control and employee health records. Food handlers were also found without appropriate aprons, gloves and headgear.

At SK Bakers and Fast Food in Mehdipatnam, expired food articles were found on the premises. Prepared rice was kept uncovered beside a dustbin, while mayonnaise prepared using raw eggs was also found. The kitchen floor was greasy and unclean, houseflies were present and the refrigerator was poorly maintained. Food handlers were not wearing aprons, head caps or gloves, and mandatory medical fitness and pest-control records were missing.

TG SAFE said the action was taken following regular inspections by Food Safety Officers and that the suspension of licences was aimed at preventing risks to public health.