KFC in Karimnagar, Pista House in Sangareddy among five eateries shut over food safety violations in Telangana

The Telangana Standards Authority for Food and Essential Drugs (TG SAFE) has suspended the food safety licences and registrations of five establishments, including a Kentucky Fried Chicken outlet in Karimnagar, and Pista House Restaurant in Sangareddy district, after inspections revealed serious violations of food safety norms.

The establishments have been directed to cease operations immediately.

The action followed regular inspections by food safety officers, who found unhygienic kitchens, pest infestations, improper storage of food, expired ingredients and inadequate food handling practices at the establishments.

At the KFC outlet operated by Devyani International Limited in Christian Colony, Sawaran Street, Karimnagar, inspectors recorded a Total Polar Compounds (TPC) reading of 31 in the oil used for frying French fries and 35.5 in the oil used for frying chicken items.

Approximately 90 litres of cooking oil was removed from the fryers and seized. Inspectors also reported foul smell emanating from the thawing area, housefly infestation and unhygienic freezers with accumulated dust and food debris.

At Pista House Restaurant in Muthangi village, Patancheru mandal, inspectors found clogged drains and sinks, cockroach infestation, damaged and unclean vessels, and improper segregation of food items.

Vegetarian and non-vegetarian items were stored in the same refrigerators, while cooked and raw meat were also kept together. The washing and cooking areas were not properly separated, and the washing area was damaged and filled with food waste.

Food handlers were found working without gloves, while the establishment lacked mandatory records, including medical certificates of food handlers and pest-control documentation. Housefly infestation was also observed.

At Ganapathi Hotel Mess and Hostel near Patancheru Bus Stand in Sangareddy, inspectors found a dark, greasy kitchen with inadequate lighting and ventilation.

Cockroaches were detected in the kitchen, including in chutney and rice boxes. Rat droppings were found on vegetables and food particles, while rotten cabbage, onions and brinjals were also discovered.

The inspection further revealed expired food articles, fungus in dal stored in the storeroom and the absence of mandatory records, including water analysis reports and employee health records.

At Nawabi Delights in Dhobi Ghat, Madannapet, inspectors found that equipment and food preparation areas were not being cleaned properly, with dust accumulation and signs of insect infestation inside a refrigerator.

The establishment also lacked pest-control and employee health records, while food handlers were not provided with appropriate aprons, gloves and headgear.

At S K Bakers and Fast Food in Ayodhya Nagar Colony, Mehdipatnam, inspectors discovered expired food articles and prepared rice kept uncovered beside a dustbin. Mayonnaise prepared using raw eggs was also found.

The kitchen floor was greasy and unclean, with housefly infestation and a poorly maintained refrigerator. Food handlers were not wearing aprons, head caps or gloves, and the establishment lacked pest-control records and medical fitness certificates.

TG SAFE said the licences and registrations of all five establishments had been suspended, with instructions to stop business operations immediately in the interest of public health.