TG SAFE Suspends Licences of Four Sahil Foods Units, Seizes 55 Tonnes of Products
Hyderabad, Oct 21; The Freedom Press: The Telangana Standards Authority for Food and Essential Drugs (TG SAFE) has suspended the licences and registrations of four manufacturing units of Sahil Foods at Premavathipet, near Kattedan, over alleged food safety violations. Officials also seized 55 tonnes of mislabelled food products valued at Rs. 33.94 lakh during an enforcement operation.
Food safety enforcement teams, accompanied by police personnel, inspected five manufacturing units operated by the company on October 18. Sahil Foods manufactures and sells a variety of snacks and savouries.
During the inspections, officials reportedly found several violations relating to hygiene, sanitation, food handling and storage. Machinery at the premises was found to be unhygienic, while production conveyors were clogged with food waste, raising concerns about sanitary conditions in the manufacturing process.
The inspection teams also observed inadequate ventilation in the units and improper storage of food articles. These conditions were flagged as potential food safety concerns requiring corrective action.
In another significant observation, some food handlers were allegedly found chewing gutka or pan masala while working inside the manufacturing facilities. Officials also found synthetic food colours stored in untidy buckets, raising questions about the handling and storage practices followed at the premises.
The enforcement teams further identified deficiencies in the licensing arrangements. Certain categories of food products manufactured at the units were reportedly not covered under the licences issued to the company.
Following the inspections, TG SAFE suspended the licences and registrations of four of the five inspected manufacturing units. The action was taken in response to the violations detected during the operation, while the seized products were valued at Rs. 33.94 lakh.
The enforcement action highlights the importance of maintaining prescribed hygiene standards, ensuring proper food handling and storage, and operating manufacturing facilities within the scope of valid licences.
Further details regarding corrective measures, compliance requirements and the future operational status of the affected units were not immediately available. (eom)
