Surprise Food Safety Inspection Reveals Violations at Balaji Bhavan HotelSurprise Food Safety Inspection Reveals Violations at Balaji Bhavan Hotel Tirumala, July 18, 2024: Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Director J Syamala Rao and officials from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) conducted a surprise inspection at Balaji Bhavan Hotel in Tirumala on Thursday. During the inspection, rotten and moldy vegetables, including potatoes and cauliflower, were discovered. Hygiene and sanitation practices were also found to be inadequate. EO Warns of Strict Action TTD Director Rao expressed concern over the violations and stated that the hotel had flouted food safety norms. He warned that strict measures would be taken against hotels and eateries found disregarding these standards. FSSAI Chief: More Raids Planned FSSAI AP chief Purnachandra Rao condemned the hotel’s actions, highlighting the use of substandard ingredients and violation of FSSAI norms. He said that the kitchen would be closed indefinitely and legal proceedings initiated. He also announced plans for more random raids in the future. Mobile Lab Launched The FSSAI also launched a mobile lab, “Food Safety on Wheels,” equipped to test the quality of food and water on-site. This initiative aims to ensure the highest standards of food safety in Tirumala. Safety and Health a Priority TTD Director Rao emphasized that the health and safety of pilgrims is paramount. He said that the raids were part of a larger effort to provide hygienic and nutritious food to the millions of visitors who come to Tirumala every year. Ingredients Tested On-Site Eighty ingredients are tested on-site by the mobile lab, ensuring the integrity of food and water in Tirumala. The presence of flavor enhancers and colorants, which violate FSSAI norms, was also detected during the raid. Officials Present Other officials present during the inspection included TTD SE 2 Jagadeeshwar Reddy, Estates Officer Tirumala Vijaya Lakshmi, DE Electrical Ravishankar Reddy, AEO Revenue Chowdary, and FSSAI officials.
KM-Dayashankar
Smelly vegetables and groceries identified
EO warns of strict measures against hotel due to deviating food safety standards
FSSAI chief says more random raids will be carried out
TIRUMALA, JULY 18, 2024: TTD Director J Syamala Rao along with the team of Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) on Thursday carried out a surprise inspection at Balaji Bhavan Hotel, located near Koustubham Rest House in Tirumala.
The EO and FSSAI director AP Purnachandra Rao verified the storage, cleaning and food handling practices in the hotel. They found that most of the vegetables including potatoes, cauliflower and some groceries are rotten and getting moldy. Even the hygiene and sanitation measures are found to be poor.
Later, speaking to the media, the EO said that after receiving a series of emails and complaints from the pilgrims stating that they had fallen ill after consuming food at the hotel, he along with the FSSAI team came to the hotel for a surprise check to ascertain the facts. And the cooking and sanitation conditions at the hotel are appalling as the hotel organisers have flouted the food safety norms in all areas, he alleged.
The EO also said that health, safety and security of the many pilgrims visiting Tirumala is one of the top priorities of TTD. With an aim to provide them hygienic and tasty food at all eateries in Tirumala, more such raids will be conducted in future. If the hotels and eateries are found violating the rules, strict action will be taken against them,” he reiterated.
The FSSAI AP chief said that the hotel has completely violated the food safety norms. He said that during our inspection we have found that the hotel is using rotten, moldy vegetables, day old cooked food, Public Distribution System (PDS) rice, reused oil, flavor enhancer and colorant, which is also against our FSSAI norms. He further said that the kitchen will be closed immediately and after a thorough investigation appropriate action will be taken against the hotel.
FOOD SAFETY ON WHEELS:
Later, the EO and the FSSAI Director launched a mobile lab, “Food Safety on Wheels”. The unique vehicle has a lab with necessary equipment to check the quality of food and water. Eighty ingredients are checked for quality in this mobile lab and this is entirely dedicated for the purpose in Tirumala, Purnachandra Rao added.
SE 2 Jagadeeshwar Reddy, Estates Officer Tirumala Vijaya Lakshmi, DE Electrical Ravishankar Reddy, AEO Revenue Chowdary and FSSAI officials were also present.
