50% of food samples collected by Food Safety department officials found to be unsafe

In a shocking revelation, about 50% of the food and beverages samples collected by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) from various hotels and restaurants in Vijayawada were found to be unsafe.

Some 20 teams conducted surprise checks on biryani points, restaurants, bakeries, mandis and other establishments on August 19, 2025. They collected 39 samples and sent them to the State Food Laboratory, located at Nacharam.

After testing, the laboratory officials confirmed that 20 samples were substandard and unsafe for consumption.

“We have collected ice creams, cashew, vegetarian and non-vegetarian snacks, chicken fry, curd, ginger paste, chicken biryani, biscuits, mutton biryani and other samples, and sent them to the State Food Laboratory,” said B. Srinivas, Assistant Food Controller, NTR and Krishna districts.

“Of the total, 17 samples were declared unsafe and three were substandard. Notices have been served to the establishment owners under Section 46 (4) of Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006” Mr. Srinivas told The Hindu on Friday.

Of the 20 samples declared as adulterated, two food business operators (restaurant owners) challenged the result and went for an appeal to the Central Food Laboratory, Mysore, Mr. Srinivas said.

“Prosecution of the accused is under process. More raids would be conducted on the eateries, restaurants, hotels and bakeries and stern action will be taken as per law against those who sell adulterated food,” the Assistant Food Controller warned.

Public having complaints on sale of substandard, sale or adulterated food items, may complain to the Food Safety Office, located at Old Government General Hospital (Old GGH) premises, Opposite Tummalapalli Kalakshetram, Hanumanpet, Vijayawada, Mr. Srinivas said.