Food joints sprout up all over city but safety measures go for a toss

Hyderabad: Hyderabad, known for its rich food culture as well as culinary varieties and delicacies, including the iconic ‘Dum biryani’, is now in the news for wrong reasons, with regulatory authorities frequently uncovering ‘grave’ food safety violations in long-established as well as recently- established and mushrooming food joints. Some of the key findings following raids highlight how dangerously unhygienic food find their way to the plates of unsuspecting citizens.

From small eateries in Hyderabad’s Old City to upscale restaurants and popular ‘mandi’ houses, many of the raided food joints are facing serious allegations of unhygienic conditions, unsafe handling of food items and even deliberate food adulteration. The threat of unhygienic food is more palpable in the city due to inadequate monitoring, raising questions about the safety of food served to consumers.

The mushrooming of food joints across Hyderabad, coupled with gaps in regular monitoring by officials, has magnified concerns over food safety. With eateries and restaurants expanding rapidly across the city, questions are being raised about whether inspections are keeping pace with the growth of food businesses.

Hyderabadis are particularly worried about the conditions in which food is prepared, stored, and served. Poorly maintained kitchens, improper food storage, expired ingredients, and contamination are among the major issues that have drawn attention in recent months.

“Hyderabad’s food culture is something we are proud of, but that reputation can suffer if hygiene is ignored. People visit hotels and restaurants expecting good-quality food prepared in clean surroundings. When we hear about unhygienic kitchens and expired food products, it becomes difficult to trust even familiar restaurants. Food safety should never be compromised,” said Mohammed Nayeemuddin, a techie residing in Tolichowki, an arearenowned for being a food hub in the city.

Amid a plethora of complaints and suspected violations, food safety officials have been conducting surprise inspections at various establishments for the past few months. During these drives, officials seized food items that were unsafe, and issued notices as part of action against businesses found violating food safety regulations. Furthermore, some of such establishments were also sealed for violations.

Hyderabad’s Old City has a different scenario with ‘chalthahai’ attitude. The food outlets and eateries there have been growing in scale from Biryani outlets selling Rs 100 per plate - bagarakhanadalcha, to shawarma and fast food centres. Although cooking food on the roadside is prohibited, these hotels and restaurants continue to prepare food items in the open in localities across the Old City.

K Venkatesh, a businessman residing in Lal Darwaza, said: “With no inspection of the functioning of these eateries in Old City by the food safety teams, they are not maintaining hygiene. Firstly, there is no quality food; and, secondly,items are prepared with adulterated ingredients.”

“A majority of these food joints appearto be operating without proper licence. Authorities must ensure that every establishment complies with food safety regulations instead of letting them putconsumers’ health at risk,” he added. Consumers also complainthat many of the eateries are not providing clean plates to serve food. A customer, Sridhar Goud, having a bite at a fast food centre in Old City, said: “the plates and spoons they provide to customers are not washed properly. They serve food in unhygienic utensils to the customers.”

A Hyderabadi food blogger, Tariq Omer said that the responsibility for maintaining hygiene should extend beyond occasional inspections. “Authorities cannot be expected to monitor every kitchen every day. Restaurant owners must ensure that ingredients are fresh, workers follow hygienic practices, and kitchens are cleaned regularly. Customers should not have to worry about falling sick after eating outside even at an upscale restaurant,” the food blogger said.

“There should be strict action against repeat offenders and clear information for the public about unsafe establishments,” the blogger added.

For a city that has a distinct identity for its food, ensuring that every food item is prepared under hygienic conditions is not merely a business obligation but a public health priority, say foodies.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

MM Farooqui

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M M Farooqui, senior correspondent with interest in writing a range of stories about Hyderabad and its Purana Sheher. An experienced journalist specializing in departments including Heritage, Transport, Municipal Corporation, Majlis among others with over six years of writing expertise. When not immersed in writing, he can be found spending time in eating Hyderabadi cuisines, Mughlai, Chinese, exploring new things and listening to songs and qawwalis. Farooqui is an accomplished writer with a passion for writing with six years of experience, he has honed his craft in various genres. Farooqui’s diverse family history and embracing cultures have enriched his writing with unique perspectives.

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