Pest infestation in besan flour, atta and dals, decayed vegetables, poor hygiene conditions, clogged drains filled with meat waste and the sale of food products with expired FSSAI licences were among multiple serious violations detected by Telangana Food Safety officials during an inspection at Lulu Hypermarket in Hyderabad on Monday (May 18, 2026) following a complaint.

According to the Telangana Food Safety department, officials found widespread irregularities across the in-house kitchen, retail and butchering sections of the hypermarket during the inspection.

In the in-house kitchen area, officials observed poor hygiene conditions and the presence of pests. Decayed vegetables were found on the premises, while leftover food stored in refrigerators was discarded on the spot. Authorities also detected near-expiry packed food articles carrying torn and misleading labels.

In the retail section, insect infestation was found in besan flour, atta and dal products. Officials also identified packed food articles with expired FSSAI licences. Several labelling and display violations were observed, including the absence of nutritional information, FSSAI licence details and manufacturer addresses on food products.

In the butchering section, drains clogged with meat waste were found emitting a pungent smell, which officials said posed a serious public health concern.

As part of the enforcement action, approximately 150 kg of food items, including sweets, oils, flour, and pulses, infested with pests, were seized and disposed of. Food samples suspected of adulteration, excessive use of artificial colours and pest infestation in besan flour were collected and sent for laboratory analysis.

The department also issued a public advisory asking consumers to remain vigilant while purchasing food products from supermarkets, retail outlets, bakeries and eateries.