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Pest-Ridden Kitchen Supplying Popular Brands Shut Down
1 Aug
Summary
- Central kitchen licence suspended due to pest infestation and poor hygiene.
- Improper storage and handling of raw meat and food products were noted.
- Synthetic food colors and mislabeled sugar were discovered on premises.
Officials from the Telangana food safety department have suspended the operating licence of a central kitchen in Ghatkesar. The facility, managed by EatClub Brands Private Limited, supplies food to well-known brands including Box 8 and Mojo Pizza.
This action followed an inspection that uncovered multiple critical food safety violations. Significant concerns included widespread pest infestation by cockroaches, houseflies, and rodents, alongside generally poor sanitation and hygiene practices throughout the premises.
Investigators also noted improper storage of various food items, including raw meat, eggs, and both vegetarian and non-vegetarian products. Issues with temperature-controlled transportation and labelling on packaged goods were also flagged.
Further findings revealed bare-hand food handling by workers and the presence of synthetic food colors. Concerns were also raised about sugar labelled as 'Pharmaceutical Grade' being used in food preparation.
Discrepancies in licensing and inadequate maintenance of food safety records were also identified. Food articles found in violation were seized, and further legal action is underway as per the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
