Hyderabad Food Authorities Crack Down on Dairy Adulteration
The Hyderabad Food Adulteration Surveillance Team (H-FAST) recently convened a critical meeting with dairy suppliers from Maharashtra, Haryana, and Telangana to issue stern warnings regarding the adulteration of paneer and khova. This proactive move aims to curb the widespread sale of substandard dairy products in the city.
Rampant Issues in Loose Dairy Sales
Officials highlighted that a significant volume of dairy products is entering Hyderabad without proper packaging or mandatory labeling. H-FAST inspector Ranjit Goud emphasized, "Key dairy suppliers and receivers were informed about the rampant adulteration, especially in loosely sold paneer and khova. They face potential criminal cases if they fail to comply with the upcoming standard operating procedure (SOP)." Many of these businesses operate storage centers on the city outskirts, which serve as transit points for these products.
New SOP to Enforce Labeling Standards
The forthcoming SOP will mandate that all edible products, including dairy items, be sold with clear labels detailing the manufacturing date, expiry date, and ingredients. Currently, many such products are sold loose at discounted prices, raising serious health concerns. This regulation is part of a broader effort to enhance food safety and consumer protection in Hyderabad.
Broader Concerns in Food Storage Practices
The issue extends beyond dairy, as evidenced by a recent police raid in Mangalhat. Authorities discovered an illegal storage unit with meat stored for over six months, violating basic hygiene standards. Police officials reported, "The recovered meat was stinking and covered in fungus. Businesses often ignore the First In, First Out principle, leading to spoiled stock being supplied in bulk to various purchasers." This incident underscores the urgent need for stricter enforcement across the food supply chain.
H-FAST's actions reflect a growing commitment to tackling food adulteration and ensuring public health safety in Hyderabad, with ongoing surveillance and regulatory measures expected to intensify.
