Secunderabad: Alpha Hotel faces penalty for obstructing inspection, violating food safety norms

Improper storage of raw meat, open dustbins, plaster flakes on ceiling found

Hyderabad: The Food Safety Department’s task force team announced legal action against Alpha Hotel near Secunderabad railway station for hindering officials during an inspection.

This is the second time that the hotel has been inspected and was found to be violating several quality standards.

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“The FBO hindered the food safety officials during inspection and refused to sign the inspection report at the end. As per clause 62 of the FSS Act 2006, a case will be booked against the FBO, with a punishment of up to three months’ imprisonment and fine of up to Rs 1 lakh,” the department posted on X.

Along with improper storage of raw meat and semi-prepared food in the refrigerator, with a possibility of cross-contamination, unhygienic conditions such as open dustbins and plaster flakes on ceiling were observed.

The Alpha brand’s ice-cream and bread packets were also found without manufacturing date and batch numbers. Moreover, the kitchen premises was not fitted with proper insect-proof screen.

That said, the FSSAI licence was displayed and food handlers were found to be wearing head caps and aprons.

24 eateries in soup

As many as 24 food establishments in the city may soon get legal notices, following the recent string of inspections that raised concerns about the quality of food served. From unhygienic conditions in kitchens to usage of expired products, multiple violations were recorded.

The Food Safety Department’s newly formed task force team has been conducting these checks regularly since mid-April and their findings, along with names of the establishments, are publicly available on their social media platforms.

“Legal process will take time. But our team has prepared documentation for 24 restaurants and we will send notices soon,” informed a senior food safety official from GHMC, adding that while the officers of the State Department are taking the lead on inspections, GHMC food safety wing officers are playing a key role.

Moreover, so far around 95 eateries have already been issued show-cause notices in regard to hygiene and quality standards