Hyderabad: Health Minister C Damodar Raja Narsimha emphasized that everyone must take responsibility for ensuring food safety, as public health should not be compromised. He assured that the government would support food vendors who follow food safety rules and conduct their business properly.
The Minister was speaking at an event organized by the Indian Institute of Health and Family Welfare, where Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) licenses and registration certificates were distributed to street food vendors.
During the event, street vendors were reminded to ensure cleanliness, not just for the food they serve but also for the areas where food is prepared. The Minister encouraged all food business operators to participate in awareness and training programs organized by the Food Safety Department. He also advised vendors to obtain the necessary FSSAI licenses and register their businesses.
Minister Narsimha spoke about the global reputation of Hyderabadi biryani and expressed hopes that the state’s food industry would continue to uphold this legacy. He warned that while the government will support vendors who follow the rules, strict action will be taken against those who violate food safety standards, especially if public health is at risk. He added that food safety regulations apply not only to hotels and street vendors but also to canteens in hostels, hospitals, and workplaces. He stressed that those who fail to provide quality food in government and private hostels, especially to children, would face punishment.
The Minister acknowledged that the Food Safety Department had not kept pace with the growth in the number of hotels and the state’s population over the last decade. He announced plans to strengthen the department by increasing the number of food safety officers in line with the rising demand. Additionally, he shared that the Nacharam Food Safety Lab was being modernized and that three new food testing labs were being set up in Warangal, Nizamabad, and Mahbubnagar. Five mobile food testing labs were also in the process of being introduced, with vehicles already being procured. These labs aim to test at least 24,000 food samples per year. A special cell is also being established at the Collectorate to address and resolve food safety complaints.
Food Safety Commissioner RV Karnan noted that the state is paying special attention to food safety. He mentioned that, as part of a recent special drive, 3,774 hotels and street food vendors were registered with FSSAI licenses and registrations within a month.
At the event, the Minister handed over Bhog certificates to Bhadrakali Devasthanam in Warangal and Srijayalakshmi Mata Yoga Centre Trust in Hyderabad. A Bhog certificate, issued by the Food Safety and Security Authority of India, is awarded to temples and religious institutions that prepare food in a hygienic manner and comply with food safety standards.
