Hyderabad’s Hotel Shadab Sealed: Food Safety Violations Trigger Action

Hyderabad’s iconic Hotel Shadab at Madina circle was sealed by the Telangana Standards Authority for Food and Essential Drugs (TG SAFE) on Thursday, September 3, a day after its licence was suspended over food safety violations.

The action came after inspection teams found multiple irregularities, including deficiencies in the storage and handling of meat and other food articles. The FSSAI licence of the restaurant was suspended on Wednesday, September 2, following the inspections.

The restaurant has been given seven days to correct the violations. According to Anand Rao, Deputy Food Controller of the Food Safety Wing, TG SAFE, the management can approach the Commissioner for a re-inspection once corrective measures are taken. “If the inspecting officer is satisfied with the compliance, then the license will be restored,” he said.

If the violations are not rectified within the stipulated period, the department may proceed with cancellation of the FSSAI licence, Rao added.

Hotel Shadab, a well-known eatery in the old city, has been serving Hyderabadi cuisine for decades and is particularly famous for its biryani and kebabs. It remains a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. The sealing is a reminder that even established establishments must adhere to food safety norms.

TG SAFE was constituted as a special enforcement body to ensure compliance with food and drug standards across Telangana. Its actions in recent months have highlighted growing vigilance on public health issues. In this case, the procedural flexibility allows the restaurant to resume operations promptly once it addresses the concerns.

Officials have urged food businesses to maintain strict hygiene and storage practices, emphasising that such inspections are intended to protect consumers, not to penalise businesses unnecessarily. The concerned branch of Hotel Shadab is expected to undergo a fresh audit after the seven-day window.