The Telangana Standards Authority for Food and Essential Drugs (TG SAFE) has suspended the FSSAI licences of two dairy units in Rangareddy following inspections that found serious hygiene and food-safety violations. The authority also directed both establishments to stop their operations immediately.
The action was taken during a special inspection drive covering dairy establishments in Hyderabad’s core urban region and adjoining districts. Officials inspected 20 dairy establishments and collected 18 samples from different units over suspected adulteration concerns.
The two dairy businesses whose licences were suspended are Sapthagiri Foods in Karmanghat and All Rich Dairy in Pasumamula. TG SAFE said the violations identified at both facilities posed concerns from a public health and food safety perspective.
Serious hygiene violations at Sapthagiri Foods
At Sapthagiri Foods, inspectors reported several deficiencies related to sanitation, drainage, pest control and employee hygiene.
The inspection found uneven flooring with moss growth and poor drainage, creating conditions that could affect the hygienic handling and processing of dairy products. Officials also observed a significant presence of houseflies, while pest-control measures were considered inadequate.
Garbage accumulation was another concern identified during the inspection. The unit was also unable to provide records relating to water and milk testing. Officials found that hygiene practices followed by food handlers were inadequate.
These deficiencies led TG SAFE to suspend the unit’s FSSAI licence and order it to immediately stop business operations.
All Rich Dairy found with pest infestation
Inspectors also identified multiple food-safety and hygiene violations at All Rich Dairy in Pasumamula.
The facility was found to have both housefly and cockroach infestations. Inspectors also reported slippery floors and water stagnation, along with inadequate lighting in parts of the premises.
Another concern was the presence of pan masala spitting inside the cold room, where dairy products are handled or stored. Officials also found flaking of walls and ceilings, which can create additional sanitation concerns in food-processing environments.
The facility’s personnel hygiene arrangements were also described as inadequate and unhygienic.
Based on these findings, TG SAFE suspended the establishment’s FSSAI licence and directed it to stop operations.
Other dairy establishments face notices
The inspection drive also identified violations at other dairy establishments. Officials reported mould growth, rusty equipment and pipes, poor drainage and gaps in documentation relating to water testing, pest control and the health records of food handlers.
TG SAFE said improvement notices will be issued to 10 establishments, while show-cause notices will be issued to three others.
Separately, Venkata Shiva Milk Point in Hayathnagar was closed after officials found that it was operating without an FSSAI licence and under unhygienic conditions.
The action highlights the importance of maintaining sanitation, pest-control systems, employee hygiene and testing records across dairy operations. Dairy businesses are required to comply with food safety requirements to protect the quality and safety of products supplied to consumers.
Inspection drive targets food safety compliance
The collection of 18 samples during the inspection drive also indicates that authorities are examining products for potential adulteration in addition to assessing physical hygiene conditions at dairy facilities.
For dairy processors and milk retailers, the findings underline the need for proper drainage, clean equipment, pest management, safe storage areas and documented testing procedures. Maintaining employee health and hygiene records is also an important component of food safety compliance.
TG SAFE’s enforcement action demonstrates that regulatory inspections can result in licence suspension, operational closure and formal notices when serious deficiencies are identified. Further action may follow depending on compliance and the outcome of regulatory procedures.
