Hygiene violations flagged at two spice manufacturing units

The Telangana Food Safety team conducted inspections across all 33 districts as part of the ongoing ‘Spices Drive’ initiative, covering over 30 spice manufacturing and repacking units in the State.

During the drive, more than 40 enforcement and surveillance samples of chilli, turmeric, black pepper, coriander, curry leaf powder, and bay leaves were collected for analysis.

Violations were detected at two facilities, M/s Srivari Spices & Foods Limited in Jalpally of Rangareddy district, and M/s Divine Spices located at Kapila Nagar Colony, Bandlaguda Jagir, Hyderabad. Food safety inspectors reported pest and rodent infestation, unhygienic premises, absence of a Food Safety Training and Certification (FoSTaC) trained supervisor, unlabelled and expired products, and lack of medical fitness records for workers.

During the inspection, 15 kg of black pepper and 18 kg of bay leaves contaminated with rat faeces were seized and sent for laboratory testing. Curry leaf powder found without proper labelling was also confiscated for violating the Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020.

Multiple improvement notices were issued and contaminated stocks seized. Enforcement action was initiated to ensure safe and hygienic spice production across Telangana, shared Commissioner of Food Safety on X.