Vijayawada: Food safety officials have seized and destroyed around 55–60 kg of biryani rice and chicken preparations after hazardous artificial food colours were found in food served at eateries on Eat Street in Vijayawada.
25 food stalls inspected
Food safety and municipal officials inspected around 25 food stalls at Eat Street on Sunday as part of intensified surveillance of roadside eateries.
Officials found several vendors using artificial food colours in biryani rice and different chicken preparations. The affected food items were seized and destroyed on the spot.
NTR district assistant food controller B Srinivas said around 55–60 kg of biryani rice and chicken items were destroyed after the unauthorised colours were detected.
Officials warn about health risks
Food safety officials warned that the use of unauthorised artificial colours to improve the appearance of food could pose health risks to consumers.
The inspections are being intensified during the monsoon season, when the risk of food contamination and food-borne illnesses can increase.
Officials are also checking whether food is prepared and stored hygienically, whether raw and cooked food are handled separately and whether stale or contaminated food is being served.
Awareness drive launched across city
The municipal corporation and food safety department have also launched a citywide awareness campaign for food vendors and eateries.
The campaign aims to improve hygiene in kitchens and food preparation areas and prevent food poisoning and diarrhoeal outbreaks linked to stale, contaminated or improperly handled food.
Officials said inspections and awareness activities will be extended to other food courts, roadside eateries and food establishments across Vijayawada in the coming days.