In Karimnagar, there have been surprise raids on restaurants and eateries, revealing shocking findings about the food being served. The raids uncovered unclean kitchens with sewage accumulation, and the use of expired and spoiled ingredients in dishes like biryani. Adulterated oils, milk, spices, cereals, flour, ice-creams, coffee, tomato sauce, vegetable oils, and ghee were also found in the food.
The government has issued orders to ensure food safety standards are followed, but there seems to be a lack of supervision in the district. With over 5,000 hotels, restaurants, and 6,000 eateries to monitor, the Food Inspection Department is understaffed and struggles to conduct regular inspections. Many food manufacturers are operating without the required licenses from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), leading to widespread food adulteration.
Consuming adulterated food can have serious health consequences, including damage to the heart, kidneys, liver, and brain. Adulterated foods can cause gastrointestinal issues, ulcers, skin problems, and even neurological problems. Despite laws in place to prevent food adulteration, the problem persists in the market with items like ghee, cooking oils, spices, and more being sold without permission.
Dr. Kommu Kiran, a neuro physician, warned that eating adulterated food can lead to a range of health issues including bacterial infections, severe abdominal pain, neurological weakness, and even an increased risk of heart attacks and cancer. It is crucial for authorities to enforce food safety regulations and crack down on food adulteration to protect public health.