Hygiene violations uncovered at NALSAR University canteen in Hyderabad

Nalsar University of Law, Hyderabad.
| Photo Credit: The Hindu

The task force teams of Telangana’s Commissioner of Food Safety conducted an inspection at the canteen of NALSAR University of Law, located in Shamirpet, on February 4 and uncovered multiple hygiene violations.

During the inspection, officials found that the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) license had been obtained for a registered address rather than the actual food preparation premises. Additionally, a Food Safety Training and Certification (FoSTaC) trained supervisor was absent, and essential records, including pest control logs and water analysis reports, were missing.

The inspection revealed severe sanitation lapses, with rat feces and cockroach infestations detected in the store room. About 90 kilograms of unlabelled raw rajma were found, while 20 kilograms of muskmelon seeds used for gravies were discovered to be insect-infested and subsequently discarded. Inspectors also found 30 kilograms of whole green gram without packaging details, including expiry dates and batch numbers.

The canteen’s preparation and dining areas lacked insect-proof screens on windows and doors, and the kitchen floor was found to be slippery. Temperature records were not maintained, and raw materials were stored directly on the floor without pallets, said a release from the department.