VIJAYAWADA: Think twice before consuming food at the hotels and restaurants across the city as only 20 percent of the owners have obtained valid licence from the authorities of Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), while others have given a go-by to food safety and quality.
In all, the city has around 400 hotels and restaurants including small and medium. Recently, the FSSAI officials in a joint operation with Vigilance and Enforcement department conducted surprise checks at Dolphin and 11 to 11 Restaurant and seized stale chicken and biryani from the respective restaurants. As part of the inspection, the officials also came to know that the Dolphin Restaurant did not have a valid licence from FSSAI for the past five years.
“Several hotels and restaurants are failing to maintain hygienic atmosphere in their kitchens. Consumption of such food items will cause water and food-borne diseases to the public. Some of the ailments include gastroenteritis (food poisoning), cholera, Hepatitis A jaundice, viral and fungal infections, typhoid etc. It is better not to eat food in unhygienic atmosphere,’’ said Ch Hari Kumar, a general physician.
‘’The next time if you witness any unhygienic atmosphere in a hotel kitchen or even if the hotel premises is filthy, just click a photo and share it with the Food Safety Department officials,’’ assistant food safety controller N Purnachandra Rao told TNIE.
Disclosing the procedure to be followed by the traders in obtaining the licence, he said traders whose annual turnover is below Rs 12 lakh, should register with FSSAI. Traders whose annual turnover is between Rs 12 lakh and Rs 20 crore, should obtain State licence and traders whose annual turnover is above Rs 20 crore, should obtain Central licence. Traders who belong to the aforementioned categories can apply for licences either through www.fssai.gov.in or by visiting E-seva centres, Rao informed.
The assistant food controller asked traders to register with food safety officers to obtain licences from the food department. Severe action will be taken against those who sell food items without registration and licences from the department, he said. “Only 20 percent of the hotel and restaurant owners obtained licence from the department, which is a serious violation as per the FSSAI guidelines. As per Section 63 of FSSAI Act, a fine of Rs 5 lakh would be imposed and six months imprisonment would be awarded,’’ Rao added.
Food safety watchdog’s special drive
In all, the city has around 400 hotels and restaurants including small and medium
As per Section 63 of FSSAI Act, a fine of J5 lakh will be imposed and six months imprisonment will be awarded against the traders who fail to obtain licence
Recently, the FSSAI officials in a joint operation with Vigilance and Enforcement department conducted surprise checks at Dolphin and 11 to 11 Restaurant and seized stale chicken and biryani from the respective restaurants