Hygiene violations found at Zepto warehouse and Hyderabad restaurants, inspections reveal expired licence and pest infestations
The food safety teams of the Cyberabad Municipal Corporation (CMC) conducted inspections at a Zepto warehouse and several restaurants in Hyderabad on June 23, uncovering multiple hygiene violations. The inspection at the Zepto warehouse in Gajularamaram followed a citizen complaint about the supply of expired milk products. Similar inspections at other establishments also revealed serious lapses.
At the Zepto warehouse, inspectors found that the facility displayed an expired Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) licence instead of a renewed one. Live cockroach infestation was observed, along with rusted storage racks and poor housekeeping conditions beneath shelves. There was inadequate spacing between walls and racks, making cleaning difficult, and greasy flooring with carton boxes obstructing the washing area. Records on employee medical fitness, pest control measures, and cleaning schedules were not maintained. A chicken packet without a legible use-by date was discarded on the spot. Officials recommended issuing an improvement notice and directed management to strengthen hygiene, housekeeping, documentation, and storage practices.
At Platform 65 restaurant in PNR Empire, inspectors observed rats inside the premises and drains clogged with food particles. Dustbins were left open, stale food was stored in freezers, and food items were found uncovered, posing a risk of cross-contamination. Officials noted inadequate freezer maintenance and improper segregation of vegetarian and non-vegetarian food products. Due to the severity of violations, the food safety team recommended suspension of the establishment's FSSAI licence and directed immediate corrective measures.
At Iguru Restaurant in Khajaguda, officials found uncovered dustbins, houseflies in the kitchen and storage areas, and missing labels on semi-prepared and prepared food items. Records for water testing, packaging materials, and pest control were unavailable. Refrigerators were not demarcated for vegetarian and non-vegetarian storage, food waste had accumulated in drains, and a container of cooked fish curry was found directly on the floor. Dust accumulation was also noted on ceilings in the dishwashing area and storeroom.
At Hotel SVM Grand in Bachupally, inspectors found uncovered dustbins, a slippery kitchen floor, broken tiles, and cockroach infestation. Food items in freezers lacked proper labels, and food preparation areas and vegetable storage trays were unhygienic.
At The Rameshwaram Cafe near Image Gardens, officials observed butter being thawed in water placed adjacent to a drain, posing a contamination risk. The drain in the grinding area was clogged with food particles, and dustbins were uncovered. The inspections highlight ongoing challenges in food safety compliance across Hyderabad.
