Hyderabad Dark Store Raids: 4 Licences Suspended Over Cockroaches
TG SAFE raids 16 dark stores in Hyderabad, finding cockroaches and expired food. Four licences suspended immediately to protect public health.
In a major crackdown on quick-commerce operations, the Telangana Standards Authority for Food and Essential Drugs (TG SAFE) conducted massive Hyderabad dark store raids across the city. The enforcement drive uncovered shocking hygiene violations, including heavy cockroach infestations and the presence of expired food products, leading to the immediate suspension of four business licences.
Massive Enforcement Drive Across the City
The operation was carried out by 10 specialized enforcement teams, comprising Food Safety Officers and police personnel. These teams targeted 16 different dark stores belonging to various retail platforms to ensure compliance with food safety standards. The inspections revealed a disturbing lack of maintenance and care in the storage facilities used for rapid delivery services.
During the inspections, officials flagged several critical breaches, such as:
- Pest Infestations: Severe cockroach presence and pest-infested food articles.
- Poor Infrastructure: Dusty and rusted storage racks, cobwebs, and improper flooring.
- Food Spoilage: Vegetables with fungal growth and rotten produce.
- Safety Violations: Improper cold room temperatures and storage of food alongside non-food items.
- Regulatory Breaches: Violations of FSS Labelling and Display Regulations and extensive expired inventory.
Immediate Action and Suspensions
Due to the acute health hazards posed by these conditions, TG SAFE took decisive action. While multiple outlets were issued formal improvement and show-cause notices, four establishments had their regulatory licences suspended immediately. These specific outlets were found to have extreme violations, including visible mould growth and rusted shelving that directly threatened consumer safety.
As part of the investigation, authorities lifted 15 samples from the premises on suspicion of adulteration for further testing.
Broader Crackdown on Food Safety in Telangana
This recent raid follows a series of strict measures taken by the Telangana government to safeguard public health. Earlier in September, a statewide ban was enforced on the production, distribution, and sale of artificial and non-dairy analogue paneer for a period of one year.
The Commissioner of TG SAFE noted that these orders, issued under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, are essential to protect the public from unregulated and potentially harmful food substitutes. This follows another recent enforcement drive in the Kukatpally area, where five establishments had their FSSAI licences suspended following inspections of 20 food outlets.