Andhra Pradesh food safety officials close 25 eateries after inspections
Food safety authorities in Andhra Pradesh have shut 25 eateries after simultaneous inspections of 70 establishments across all 28 districts. Officials reported unhygienic kitchens, poor storage, unauthorised additives and unlicensed operations, while seizing and destroying more than 100 kilograms of cooked food considered unfit for consumption.
The Food Safety department in Andhra Pradesh has closed 25 eateries after surprise inspections found violations of food safety, hygiene and sanitation standards. The inspections took place across all 28 districts on Saturday, according to a department press release. Officials inspected 70 hotels, restaurants and other food establishments during the statewide operation.
They reported unhygienic kitchens, improper food storage, unauthorised artificial colours and flavour enhancers, and cooked food kept for long periods in poorly maintained freezers. Some establishments were also found to be using paneer made with vegetable oils rather than pure milk, the department said. More than 100 kilograms of cooked food that had been stored in freezers for extended periods and was deemed unfit for consumption was seized and destroyed.
The department filed 30 legal cases and served notices on 15 establishments. Those receiving notices were directed to correct deficiencies and comply with food safety regulations. Ten of the 30 cases concerned establishments operating without valid food safety licences, while the remaining 20 involved what officials described as serious hygiene violations.
The eateries closed included Casserole Restaurant in Bhavanipuram, Vijayawada; Apna Punjabi Dhaba in Anakapalli; Palagan Dhaba and Pavani Residency Hotel in Nellore; Vayupathra Tiffins and Meals Restaurant in Visakhapatnam; and Hotel Manjunatha Bhavan in Tirupati. The inspections were supervised by Health Principal Secretary G. Veerapandian and Drug Control Administration Director General C.
Arun Babu. The department’s release did not specify how long the closures would remain in effect or provide details of any further compliance process.
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