A recent inspection by the food safety task force uncovered several alarming food safety violations at a Monginis Cake Shop located in Alwal, Hyderabad. The task force, which inspected areas around Hyderabad on January 3, 2025, found rat feces in the storage area and a live cockroach infestation in the manufacturing unit. The moulds and vessels used for cake preparation were deemed unsanitary. Furthermore, expired food items, some dating back two years, were discovered, including kesar syrup, pineapple flavouring, and vanilla flavour.
The storage conditions were also subpar, with materials and products stored improperly on the ground and steps. The walls and ceilings were noted to be in poor condition, with flaking particles. Another critical issue found was a leaking AC in the cold room, which posed a contamination risk to the food products stored inside. Additionally, refrigerators were dirty, with food waste inside, and food items were stored in unsanitary plastic drums.
Other violations included the absence of the mandatory FSSAI license displayed prominently, unmaintained employee health records, and missing FoSTaC certificates. The food business operator (FBO) also failed to acquire the necessary license for the seven chiller vehicles used to transport goods.
A similar inspection at VACS Pastries in Secunderabad revealed the use of rum in plum cakes without excise permission and numerous hygiene violations related to food storage, labeling, and handling.
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