Food Safety Crackdown in Hyderabad’s Old City: Shadab Hotel Licence Suspended, Two Cafes Shut

Hyderabad: The Telangana Food Safety Department’s TG SAFE teams have launched a major crackdown on hotels, cafes and snack outlets violating food safety regulations in Hyderabad’s Old City and other parts of the city.

During the inspections, the FSSAI licence of the popular Shadab Hotel at Madina Building was suspended after officials found several violations related to hygiene, sanitation and the storage and handling of meat and other food items. The hotel management was directed to stop its business operations immediately.

However, questions were raised after people were allegedly seen distributing biryani parcels outside the hotel the following day, despite the licence suspension. When questioned by the media, some of those present reportedly identified themselves as hotel staff. The incident has raised concerns over whether the suspension order was being properly enforced.

Another issue emerged during the inspection when a Food Safety Officer, identified as Rakesh, was seen wearing a GHMC identity card. After media cameras began recording, the officer reportedly removed the ID card from around his neck and placed it in his pocket, prompting further questions about the inspection process.

The special drive was not limited to Shadab Hotel. Nine special teams comprising food safety officials and police personnel inspected 19 cafes and snack outlets across different parts of Hyderabad.

Officials found poor hygiene and sanitation at several establishments. Open garbage bins, unclean food preparation areas, flies and cockroach infestations were among the issues reported. At some outlets, food handlers were also found working without hairnets or proper head covers.

Inspectors also found violations related to food storage, labelling and serving practices. Some establishments were allegedly found in possession of expired or spoiled food items.

Several businesses reportedly failed to produce health records of food handlers, FoSTaC training certificates and pest-control documentation during the inspections.

As part of the action, Dreams Cafeteria in Bagh Lingampally and Asiatic Cafe in Punjagutta were shut down for allegedly operating without the required FSSAI licence or registration.

Food Safety officials also destroyed certain perishable food items that were reportedly kept exposed to dust and flies. Tea leaves, ginger-garlic paste and biscuits were among the items seized over suspected adulteration.

A total of 15 food samples were collected during the inspections and sent to laboratories for testing. The laboratory reports will determine whether the samples meet the required food safety standards.

Improvement notices and show-cause notices are also being issued to several other establishments, including Cafe Persia, Bihar Biryani Cafe, Cafe Deccan, Honeymoon Cafe, Rio Restaurant, Aroamail Hospitality, Friends & Cafe, Diamond Point Hotel, Hotel Imtiaz, Blue Sea Tea & Snacks, Nimrah Cafe & Bakery and Gulzar Foods, among others.

Officials said establishments served with improvement notices will be subjected to follow-up inspections. Authorities will check whether the violations have been rectified and whether proper hygiene, food storage and safety measures have been implemented.

If violations continue during subsequent inspections, the establishments could face further legal action, including penalties and other measures under food safety regulations.

The latest TG SAFE drive has sent a strong message to food businesses across Hyderabad to comply with food safety and hygiene norms. However, the alleged distribution of biryani parcels outside Shadab Hotel despite the suspension of its licence has raised particular questions over compliance and enforcement.

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