The latest Food Safety Raids in Hyderabad have exposed a disturbing reality behind the shelves of popular supermarkets and kitchens of well-known restaurants. Conducted by the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) on September 19, 2025, these inspections targeted 44 supermarkets and several restaurant chains, uncovering expired products, pest infestations, and severe hygiene lapses.
Food Safety Raids in Hyderabad Target Supermarkets and Restaurants
During the Food Safety Raids in Hyderabad, GHMC’s Food Safety Wing found expired fruits, vegetables, and packaged goods being sold at major outlets like More, Reliance, Ratnadeep, and Vijetha. At Saidabad’s More Supermarket, expired Royal Gala apples were discovered, while Reliance at Kacheguda stocked outdated avocados and oranges. Vijetha in Kondapur was flagged for expired Palak Rice Papad and energy drinks.
The raids also revealed poor sanitation practices. Several outlets lacked pest control records, had dusty racks, and failed to provide medical fitness certificates for staff. GHMC collected 58 samples for lab testing and issued legal notices under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
Absolute Barbeque and Government Kitchens Under Scrutiny
The crackdown extended to restaurant chains like Absolute Barbeque, where cockroach infestations, expired food, and rat droppings were found in outlets across Gachibowli, Banjara Hills, and AS Rao Nagar. Even government hospitals weren’t spared—diet kitchens in Sultan Bazar and Koti showed greasy exhausts, open waste bins, and food handlers without gloves or hairnets.
Public Reaction and GHMC’s Next Steps
The Food Safety Raids in Hyderabad have sparked public concern, with citizens demanding transparency and stricter enforcement. Social media is flooded with calls for hygiene ratings and online publication of inspection results. GHMC officials have promised weekly inspections and warned of harsher penalties for repeat offenders.
Consumers are urged to check expiry dates, observe cleanliness, and report violations to the Commissioner of Food Safety. With GHMC intensifying its efforts, Hyderabad is poised for a major shift in food safety culture.
