Concerns raised over food safety in suburban hotels

Recent inspections by food safety officials in urban areas have revealed significant quantities of spoiled food, raising concerns about the safety of food served in suburban hotels and restaurants. Particularly on the outskirts of the city, such as Ibrahimpatnam, there appears to be a lack of adequate surveillance, leading to questionable food quality standards.
Ibrahimpatnam, home to numerous educational institutions and government offices, has seen a surge in fast food centres and eateries. Despite warnings from food safety officials about the consequences of serving unclean food, many restaurant managers continue to prioritise profit over quality. This has resulted in people unknowingly consuming substandard food, often prepared with expired ingredients and under unhygienic conditions.
The situation is alarming with cooking areas in many restaurants not meeting cleanliness standards, unlike the more presentable sitting areas. Food storage practices are also lax, with uncovered food stored in refrigerators and different types of food items, such as chicken and vegetarian dishes, being cooked side by side. Leftover food is often reheated and served to customers, while rotten vegetables and moldy ingredients are used in meal preparation. These practices highlight the urgent need for regular monitoring by food safety officials.
The constituency of Ibrahimpatnam along Sagar Road, from Turkyanjal to Mala, hosts numerous restaurants and hotels, many of which are allegedly operating without proper licenses. Despite the requirement to follow Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) regulations, documentation and adherence to these rules are frequently missing. Consumers report being served inferior meals, with meat lovers particularly affected by the use of preserved and sometimes spoiled meat.
Unlicensed establishments often compromise on ingredient quality to maximise profits, using low-quality essentials and spoiled vegetables. This practice poses a significant health risk to consumers, who may suffer from foodborne illnesses as a result. There is a growing call for food safety and municipal officials to take stringent action against such establishments.
 There is a strong public sentiment that continuous inspections by authorities are necessary to ensure food safety in hotels and restaurants. Past allegations against certain establishments have often been overlooked, leading to persistent issues. With many new restaurants and hotels near Adibhatla TCS, there is an urgent need for regular inspections to ensure compliance with quality standards, it is felt.