The food safety teams of the Cyberabad Municipal Corporation (CMC) uncovered serious hygiene and food safety violations during inspections at three eateries in Hyderabad on Wednesday (June 17), including cockroach infestation, expired food products, mould-affected vegetables and improper storage practices. Improvement notices are being issued to the establishments while unsafe food items were discarded on the spot.

At Antera Kitchen and Bar in Madeenaguda, officials found that water testing reports for water used in cooking and ice preparation were unavailable. Desserts, non-vegetarian food items, mushrooms and chopped onions were stored without labels, while iron knives were being used in food preparation areas. Mould growth was observed on cauliflower and potatoes and the cooking oil used for preparing French fries was found unsuitable for further use. Dustbins were also kept open near operational areas.

At La Pino’z Pizza in Jubilee Enclave, inspectors detected a heavy cockroach infestation and found expired spice mixes, flavoured syrups and bread items. Several food items were unlabelled and improperly stored, while microbial infestation was observed inside a freezer that was under maintenance. Chicken was stored without proper wrapping and lizard droppings were noticed near the food storage area. Officials also found vegetarian and non-vegetarian items stored together in the same freezer.

An improvement notice is being issued to the above two establishments, officials said.

At 10 Pounder Pizzeria in SMR Vinay Technopolis, the inspection team noticed dust and cobwebs on internal fittings and observed that the lower section of the freezer required better cleaning and maintenance.