Raids at Bakeries in Hyderabad and Secunderabad Uncover Rum Use and Expired Items

Hyderabad: Food Safety Officials Raid Bakeries, Uncovering Serious Violations in Secunderabad and Alwal 

Food safety officials in Hyderabad conducted extensive raids across bakeries in Greater Hyderabad, including Secunderabad and Alwal, uncovering severe violations that pose significant health risks to consumers. Inspections at VAC’s Pastries in Kharkhana and Monginis Cake Shop in Alwal on December 3, 2024, revealed alarming conditions.  

Violations at Secunderabad Bakery
At VAC’s Pastries, multiple infractions were discovered:  

Missing Documentation: Critical records such as water analysis reports and medical certificates for food handlers were absent. Additionally, there were no FoSTaC-trained personnel on-site, indicating non-compliance with food safety training standards.  
Improper Use of Alcohol: Rum was used in the preparation of plum cakes without the necessary excise permissions, and this was not disclosed on product labels.  
Unsanitary Conditions: Mouldy vessels were used in cake preparation, and bulk fruit pulp was stored improperly in plastic drums without proper labels or best-before dates.  
Lack of Labelling: None of the food items carried essential information such as the FSSAI license number, manufacturing address, ingredient list, or batch details.  
Improper Storage: Food and non-food items were stored together, and unlabeled items in refrigerators were found without temperature records.  

Violations at Alwal Bakery  
At Monginis Cake Shop in Alwal, inspectors identified similar and additional issues:  
 Hygiene Issues: The kitchen was found in unhygienic conditions with mouldy vessels, rat droppings, and live cockroaches infesting the premises.  
Expired Ingredients**: Several items, including Kesar syrup and flavoring compounds dating back to 2022, were still in use.  
Cold Room Concerns: The air conditioning unit in the cold room was leaking, creating a risk of contamination for stored food products.  
Non-Compliance with Licensing Rules: The bakery failed to prominently display its FSSAI license.  

Health Risks and Regulatory Action**  
The findings have raised significant concerns about consumer safety and compliance with food safety regulations. Authorities are expected to take strict action, including potential fines and suspensions, to ensure such violations are addressed promptly.  

Consumers are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspected food safety issues to the relevant authorities.