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Hyderabad Mayor rues lack of inspections to curb food adulteration

Amidst rising concerns over food adulteration, unhygienic practices, and the discovery of dead insects in food items served at various eateries, Hyderabad Mayor Gadwal Vijayalaxmi has expressed her dissatisfaction with authorities for the lack of inspections on these establishments.

Vijayalaxmi said, “We have conducted exclusive meetings with the food safety officers (FSOs) and assistant medical officers of health (AMoHs) to make focused decisions to tackle food adulteration cases and practices. We have arranged many awareness camps among the food establishments, consumer and marketing committee. We are at it again and again spreading awareness for the health of the citizens.”

The Mayor stated that specific directions have been given to the FSOs to conduct surprise tests, random inspections, and surveys at food establishments across the state. If they discover any adulteration, samples will be sent to the lab for further testing. If adulteration is confirmed, a case will be filed against the establishment, and the court will handle the proceedings. The severity of the incident will determine the imprisonment and fine imposed.

The Mayor also emphasised on the proactive measures and significant importance of the “Food Safety on Wheels” initiative in the city and to make use of such initiatives to tackle adulteration. “Major improvement has been seen as we launched the “Food Safety on Wheels” initiative which is supported by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to curb food adulteration,” she added.

“Food Safety on Wheels” is a multipurpose vehicle which will help in dissemination of information and act as a platform for getting food safety training and food testing. FSW would execute the functions of testing including surveillance, training and creating awareness regarding the food safety in remote areas of the state, among large public congregations, schools and consumer organisations.

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