HYDERABAD: The Telangana Standards Authority for Food and Essential Drugs (TG SAFE) has suspended the food safety licences of eight cloud kitchens and food establishments across Hyderabad. It has also ordered them to stop operations immediately. The action followed special inspections conducted on Tuesday (November 11).
The enforcement drive involved 24 joint teams of food safety officers and Hyderabad Police personnel. They inspected 23 commercial kitchens and delivery-focused outlets. The inspections covered Gachibowli, Madhapur, Kondapur, Somajiguda and Khairatabad, among other areas. Officials discarded around 700 kg of decomposed, expired or contaminated food stock. They also collected 25 food samples for laboratory testing.
The eight establishments facing licence suspension include Biryani By Kilo in Gachibowli, Kulcha Kulture and Tum Yum Innovisions in Madhapur, Lucky Multicuisine Restaurant in Somajiguda and Zora 11 By 2 in Khairatabad. The list also includes LO Fresh Foods at Ayyappa Society in Madhapur, ITC Aashirwad Soul Creations Cloud Kitchen in Gachibowli and Sodexo India Services in Kondapur.
Inspectors found several violations at these establishments. These included pest infestations, rodent droppings, rotten vegetables, improper drainage and expired provisions. Some establishments also failed to maintain separate storage for vegetarian and non-vegetarian items.
TG SAFE also issued show-cause notices to 10 food businesses over major compliance lapses. They have been asked to explain why further statutory penalties should not be imposed. The establishments include Prism Hospitality Services in Miyapur, Ghar the Cloud Kitchen in Kokapet, Rebel Foods facilities in Serilingampally and Shaikpet, and Curefoods India in Kompally. The list also includes Scuzi Hospitality and Potful India in Madhapur, Sri Kakatiya Deluxe Mess in Ameerpet, FA Gifts in Gachibowli and ELIOR India Food Services in Gopanpally.
Officials also seized and discarded 60 kg of expired cake bases from a Bakingo outlet in Madhapur. The outlet did not face licence suspension.
Five other establishments received improvement notices. They include AVA Cloud Kitchens in Lingampally, Harley's India in Pragathi Nagar, Hunger Experiment in Madhapur, Fruitique in Kompally and a Rebel Foods outlet in Khairatabad. They have been asked to take corrective measures. Officials will verify compliance through follow-up inspections.
The eight suspended establishments will remain closed. They cannot prepare or distribute food until they address the violations and pass follow-up safety inspections. (with inputs from media organisations)