Hyderabad: Health Minister Damodar Rajanarsimha announced on Wednesday that the State government was working on a complete overhaul of the food safety system, which had been neglected in the past.
The newly formed Congress government has appointed 17 food safety officers, setting an example for other States in enforcing food safety regulations. Plans are also in place to establish 10 new mobile food labs. The State Food Lab in Nacharam, which was previously disabled, is being strengthened to conduct around 200 food safety tests daily through mobile labs across the state.
In efforts to promote food safety, the government is raising awareness among street vendors about obtaining food safety licenses. An awareness meeting was recently held at the State secretariat with representatives from hotels, restaurant associations, and food organizations. Companies supplying food items are now required to obtain an FSSAI license, with continuous inspections of boarding hostels and canteens in government and private educational institutions underway.
Inspections have already been conducted on 387 hostels across the State, with orders issued for FSSAI licenses to be mandatory. Food samples are being collected and tested to ensure higher food quality standards. Licenses of companies involved in food adulteration are being revoked, and strict actions are being taken against those who do not comply with food safety norms, according to the health minister.
