The food safety teams of the Cyberabad Municipal Corporation (CMC) uncovered multiple hygiene violations during inspections conducted at a Zepto warehouse and several restaurants across Hyderabad on June 23. While the inspection at the Zepto warehouse in Gajularamaram was carried out following a citizen complaint alleging the supply of expired milk products, inspections at other establishments also revealed serious lapses.

The inspection at the Zepto warehouse found that the facility was displaying an expired copy of its Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) licence instead of the renewed one. Live cockroach infestation was observed within the premises, while rusted storage racks and poor housekeeping conditions were noted beneath shelves. 

Inspectors also found inadequate spacing between walls and racks, making cleaning difficult, besides greasy flooring and carton boxes obstructing the washing area. Records relating to employee medical fitness, pest control measures and cleaning schedules were not maintained. During the inspection, a chicken packet without a legible use-by date was discarded on the spot. Officials recommended issuance of an improvement notice and directed the management to strengthen hygiene, housekeeping, documentation and storage practices.

Rats, clogged drains at Platform 65 restaurant

At Platform 65 restaurant in PNR Empire, inspectors observed rats inside the premises and found drains clogged with food particles. Dustbins were left open, stale food was stored in freezers and food items were found uncovered, creating a risk of cross-contamination. Officials also noted inadequate freezer maintenance and improper segregation of vegetarian and non-vegetarian food products. Citing the severity of the violations, the food safety team recommended suspension of the establishment’s FSSAI licence and directed immediate corrective measures.

Houseflies at Iguru Restaurant

At Iguru Restaurant in Khajaguda, officials found uncovered dustbins, houseflies in the kitchen, dishwashing area and storeroom, and the absence of proper labels on semi-prepared and prepared food items. Records relating to water testing, packaging materials and pest control were unavailable. Refrigerators were not demarcated for vegetarian and non-vegetarian storage, food waste had accumulated in drains and a container of cooked fish curry was found placed directly on the floor. The inspection also revealed that dust accumulation was observed on ceilings in the dishwashing area and storeroom.

At Hotel SVM Grand in Bachupally, inspectors found uncovered dustbins, a slippery kitchen floor, broken tiles and cockroach infestation. Food items stored in freezers lacked proper labels, while food preparation areas and vegetable storage trays were maintained in unhygienic conditions.

At The Rameshwaram Cafe near Image Gardens, officials observed butter being thawed in water placed adjacent to a drain, posing a contamination risk. The drain in the grinding area was clogged with food particles and dustbins were found uncovered.