Serious Food Safety Violations Found at Packaged Drinking Water Unit in Hyderabad
Officials stated that strict action will be taken under the Food Safety and Standards Act against the operators responsible for these violations.
Hyderabad: Officials from the Food Safety Department Telangana detected serious food safety violations during an inspection of a packaged drinking water unit in the Medchal–Malkajgiri district near Hyderabad.
The inspection was carried out by the Food Safety Flying Squad team, which found several major irregularities in the unit involved in processing and supplying bottled drinking water to restaurants.
According to officials, the Food Business Operator (FBO) was operating with an expired license and had failed to display a valid Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) license at the facility. Authorities also discovered that bottled water was being processed and supplied to restaurants using expired or invalid license numbers.
During the inspection, the team found that the quality control laboratory was not functioning properly. Expired chemicals were present, and no reagents or testing procedures were being carried out. In addition, there was no qualified technician available at the facility.
Officials also reported that food handlers working at the unit did not possess medical fitness certificates, which is mandatory under food safety regulations. The preparation and packaging area was found to be highly unhygienic, and several pieces of equipment were either non-functional or poorly maintained.
Following the inspection, authorities seized stock worth ₹55,800 and collected statutory samples for further laboratory analysis.
Officials stated that strict action will be taken under the Food Safety and Standards Act against the operators responsible for these violations.
The department also reminded food business operators that operating without valid licenses, misusing license numbers, or compromising food safety standards can lead to strict legal action and prosecution.
Authorities advised consumers to always check for valid FSSAI license details and proper labeling while purchasing packaged drinking water or other food products. If any suspicious or unhygienic food practices are noticed, citizens are encouraged to report them immediately to the concerned authorities.
