Mosquitoes, Dead Lizards & Spoiled Curd Found at Dairy
The Food Safety Department in Telangana recently inspected Shakti Milk and Milk Products, located in Raghunathpally Mandal, Jangaon district. The findings revealed shocking violations of food safety standards, raising serious concerns about hygiene and sanitation in dairy production.
Inspection Uncovers Major Hygiene Issues
During the inspection on February 1, officials found multiple food safety violations at the facility. They observed poor sanitary conditions in food handling and preparation areas. Disturbingly, stored ghee contained mosquitoes and houseflies. Even more alarming, a dead lizard was found among the food items, and spider webs were spotted on the ceiling.
Contaminated Curd and Improper Storage
Further inspection revealed that around 720 kg of curd had been spoiled due to fungal infestation and contamination. Additionally, 1,700 kg of curd was seized due to improper labelling and suspected poor quality. Officials also noted that raw food items were not stored correctly, increasing the risk of contamination.
Lack of Essential Safety Records
The establishment failed to provide essential records, such as pest control documentation and water analysis reports. Moreover, the equipment used for food processing was found to be dirty, rusty, and unsterilized. Packaged products also had labelling discrepancies, further violating food safety regulations.
Legal Action and Public Response
Authorities collected samples for laboratory testing and stated that further actions would be taken under the Food Safety and Standards (FSS) Act of 2006 and the FSS Rules and Regulations of 2011.
Following the revelations, the public took to social media to express their concerns. Many users praised the Food Safety Department for their efforts, urging them to conduct similar inspections in other regions, especially Hyderabad, where dairy processing units are rapidly increasing. Some also questioned why inspections were not performed more frequently to prevent such issues.
Previous Food Safety Concerns in Telangana
This is not the first time the Telangana Food Safety Department has found such violations. In a recent inspection at the Central Kitchen of Sri Chaitanya Educational Institutes in Hyderabad, officials discovered expired food, cockroach infestations, and unhygienic storage conditions.
Conclusion
The latest findings highlight the urgent need for stricter enforcement of food safety regulations to protect public health. Regular inspections, stringent quality control measures, and consumer awareness can play a crucial role in ensuring food safety across the state. Authorities must continue their vigilance to prevent such alarming lapses in hygiene and food safety standards.
Source: Inputs from various media Sources
Priya Bairagi
Reviewed by Dr Aarti Nehra (MBBS, MMST)
I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.
