IndiGo Supplier Caught in Serious Hygiene Violations in Hyderabad
In a shocking revelation, a Hyderabad-based food supplier responsible for catering to IndiGo Airlines has been found violating multiple food safety norms, raising serious concerns about hygiene and consumer health. The recent inspection conducted by food safety officials at Instahot Foods Pvt. Ltd., located in IDA Patancheru, uncovered alarming breaches, including cockroach infestations in food preparation areas, expired ingredients, and unhygienic storage conditions. Authorities discovered expired stock such as 1.25 kilograms of Kasturi Methi, half a kilo of mustard seeds, and one kilogram of Rai Mota, alongside 1.5 kilograms of nutmeg lacking proper labelling details like batch number and packaging date. The officials also found rotten vegetables stored improperly and essential hygiene protocols being flouted, putting public health at significant risk. IndiGo Airlines swiftly responded by suspending supplies from the vendor, reaffirming its commitment to maintaining high food safety standards.
Further inspections by the task force revealed severe lapses in hygiene practices, including the lack of a First In, First Out (FIFO) system, rusted storage racks, and waste being disposed of in plastic bags. Additionally, the premises lacked proper flooring and drainage, with clogged water outlets and leaking air conditioning units contributing to the unhygienic conditions. The facility’s water testing report, submitted from a non-NABL accredited laboratory, failed to meet the required standards, and crucial records on packaging material testing were missing. On the same day, food safety officials also inspected Asati Rajkumar Roller Flour Mills Pvt. Ltd., another facility in IDA Patancheru, where similar violations were detected. The flour mill was found to be in a highly unsanitary condition, with foul smells emanating from the grain washing section, cobwebs in storage areas, and uncleaned wheat stock. The inspectors also discovered a rodent and bird infestation, with faeces visible across the premises. Alarmingly, employees were found handling food without aprons, gloves, or hair caps, violating fundamental food safety norms.
From a sustainability perspective, these violations highlight a critical issue in India’s food supply chain—poor waste management and inefficient handling of perishable goods. The presence of expired products, improper storage practices, and lack of FIFO implementation indicate not only negligence but also an urgent need for stronger food safety enforcement. The wastage of expired ingredients and rotten vegetables further exacerbates the growing issue of food insecurity, as tonnes of edible food are often discarded due to mismanagement rather than repurposed responsibly. Sustainable food storage and supply chain management are essential to minimising waste and reducing the carbon footprint of the food industry. Regulatory bodies must prioritise sustainable practices to ensure that suppliers operate within environmentally responsible frameworks, reducing unnecessary food spoilage and contamination risks.
From an urban health and civic perspective, these findings raise serious concerns about the enforcement of food safety laws in Hyderabad. Contaminated food can lead to widespread public health risks, including food poisoning, bacterial infections, and long-term health hazards. The negligence displayed by these suppliers reflects gaps in regulatory oversight, emphasising the need for more frequent inspections and stricter penalties for violations. The presence of cockroaches, rodents, and unhygienic storage conditions indicates a deeper problem in compliance enforcement, which, if left unchecked, could impact the broader food ecosystem. Moving forward, authorities must implement a more rigorous monitoring system, ensuring that food suppliers adhere to the highest safety and hygiene standards to protect consumers and uphold public health.
