In a recent citywide inspection drive, food safety officers carried out thorough checks across 73 hospital kitchens to ensure compliance with hygiene and food safety norms. As part of the inspection, 14 food samples were collected and dispatched to the State Food Laboratory in nacharam for detailed analysis. These inspections were conducted under the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the accompanying Rules and Regulations of 2011. Officials emphasized that any violations detected would be dealt with firmly — ranging from the issuance of rectification notices to the filing of adjudication cases in instances of serious breaches.

The inspections revealed several concerning lapses in basic hygiene and operational standards at many hospital kitchens. Common violations included the absence of a dedicated storage facility for ingredients and supplies, unclean exhaust systems, poorly maintained washing stations, and uncovered dustbins — all of which can significantly compromise food safety. Such conditions not only breach regulatory guidelines but also pose direct risks to the health of vulnerable patients who rely on hospital food for recovery and nourishment. These findings have prompted authorities to increase scrutiny and enforce corrective actions promptly.

Further irregularities included improperly stored food items — some left uncovered and unlabeled in refrigerators, others placed directly on the ground or stored alongside non-food items, violating cross-contamination norms. The lack of basic documentation, such as water quality analysis reports and pest control records, further underscored systemic negligence in maintaining hygienic practices. Officials from the hyderabad municipal corporation-Latest Updates, Photos, Videos are a click away, CLICK NOW'>greater hyderabad municipal corporation (GHMC) have called for immediate improvements and warned of stricter penalties for non-compliance, reiterating that ensuring safe food in healthcare settings is non-negotiable.

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