Food safety violations found at 68 Hyderabad restaurants: How eating expired, unhygienic food affects your health

A recent sweep by the Telangana Commissioner of Food Safety’s task force uncovered troubling hygiene and food safety violations in Hyderabad’s restaurant scene. The task force descended upon 83 restaurants and eateries across Hyderabad and surrounding districts. Shockingly, a whopping 68 of these establishments fell short of safety standards.

Inspectors discovered a disturbing mix of violations, including stale ingredients, expired ingredients used to cook the food, and unhygienic kitchens. In the wake of these alarming findings, authorities are implementing stricter enforcement measures starting June 1. This crackdown aims to ensure restaurants prioritize hygiene and food safety.

This isn’t the first time Hyderabad’s culinary scene has faced scrutiny. The Indian Express recently reported on similar concerns, suggesting that even popular biryani and delicacy restaurants may be using expired or stale ingredients in unhygienic conditions.

We all know the occasional indulgence in leftover pizza isn’t the end of the world. But what about food that’s clearly past its prime, crawling with insects, or stored in questionable conditions like in these eateries? Unfortunately, the risks associated with eating such food can be significant.

A breeding ground for trouble

Dr Nishant Singh, Senior Consultant Physician & Diabetologist at Yatharth Hospital, Noida Extension, highlighted the dangers of microbes – tiny organisms like bacteria, viruses, and parasites – that thrive in stale and unhygienic food.

“These microbes can cause a range of illnesses, from the common food poisoning with nausea and vomiting to more severe gastroenteritis with diarrhea and dehydration. In vulnerable populations like young children, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems, foodborne illnesses can even lead to organ damage or death,” he warned.

Those with weakened immunity have it worse (file)

Expired food: A ticking time bomb?

Dr Rakesh Gupta, Senior Consultant of Internal Medicine at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital explained that even seemingly non-perishable items like urad dal (lentils) and curd (yogurt) can become hazardous when expired. These foods can develop harmful bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli, leading to food poisoning with unpleasant symptoms. 

He added that expired dairy products can harbor Listeria, a bacterium particularly dangerous for pregnant women and immunocompromised individuals.

Beyond the food itself, Dr Gupta emphasised the importance of proper food storage hygiene, which was lacking in these places. Stagnant water near food storage areas and open dustbins are red flags. Stagnant water attracts insects and rodents that can contaminate food with their droppings and saliva. Uncovered waste allows for the growth of mold and fungi, further compromising food safety, he added.

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