Hyderabad Crackdown: H-FAST Busts Illegal Food Unit Near Charminar, Seizes Adulterated Stock

In a major crackdown on unsafe food practices, the Hyderabad Food Adulteration Surveillance Team (H-FAST), along with Food Safety Officers, carried out a surprise inspection in the Charminar area and uncovered an illegally operated fast food warehouse functioning under unhygienic and hazardous conditions.

Acting on specific intelligence, officials inspected premises located in the New Lad Bazaar and Panch Mohalla area under the jurisdiction of the Hussaini Alam Police Station. The facility, operating under the name Messrs Al Akbar Fast Food and Godown , was found to be handling and storing food in violation of basic safety norms.

During the inspection, authorities discovered that the unit was running without a valid FSSAI licence , a mandatory requirement under the Food Safety and Standards framework governed by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. Investigators also found the use of prohibited synthetic food colours , including MSK Lion Green and Raspberry Red, which are not permitted for human consumption.

Officials further noted several serious hygiene breaches such as the reuse of stale and repeatedly used cooking oil , absence of water quality certification, and lack of pest control measures inside the storage and preparation areas. These conditions, they said, posed a direct risk to public health.

As part of the enforcement action, the team seized approximately 110 kg of prepared fried chicken , six tins of cooking oil (15 litres each), and multiple containers of artificial food colouring substances. Two individuals allegedly involved in the operation were taken into custody for questioning.

Health officials warned that consumption of adulterated or unhygienic food can lead to food poisoning, gastrointestinal infections, allergic reactions, and long-term liver complications .

A case has been registered under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 , and other relevant provisions at the Hussaini Alam Police Station. The seized materials and detainees have been handed over to police for further investigation.

Authorities reiterated that Hyderabad is maintaining a zero-tolerance approach towards food adulteration and unsafe food handling practices. They also urged consumers to check for valid FSSAI registration before purchasing packaged or prepared food items and report suspicious activities through the toll-free helpline 8712661212 .