Hyderabad food safety inspections at 12 pheni manufacturing units found unhygienic conditions, unsafe food-handling practices and operations without valid Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) licences, according to Telangana Today.
The inspections were conducted on Thursday by the TG SAFE Food Wing and Enforcement officials under the CURE jurisdiction after complaints of food safety violations. Pheni is a traditional food product, and the inspected units were involved in its manufacture.
Officials found workers preparing pheni without head caps and gloves in several units. Some workers were reportedly wearing dirty clothes, while others were handling food despite sweating heavily. These conditions raise concerns about contamination risks during preparation and processing.
The inspection teams also found raw materials and prepared pheni being stored directly on the floor. Food products kept on floors can be exposed to dirt and other contaminants, while inadequate separation between raw materials and prepared products can increase risks during handling.
Some of the units were reportedly operating without valid FSSAI licences. Officials also found that mandatory licences and certificates were not prominently displayed at certain premises. The inspection findings indicate gaps not only in hygiene practices but also in compliance with licensing and disclosure requirements.
The inspections followed complaints received by the food safety authorities. The source report did not specify the names or locations of the 12 units, the quantities of food seized, or whether penalties, closures or further enforcement measures had been ordered. Any subsequent action will depend on the authorities’ findings and applicable food safety procedures.
