Students' health at risk? Food safety team detects infested, expired food at NALSAR University canteen

NEW DELHI: Several food safety violations were detected at NALSAR University canteen in Hyderabad. A task force team led by the commissioner of food safety, Telangana conducted an inspection of food establishments at NALSAR University in Shamirpet. The inspection focused on identifying food safety and hygiene violations at NALSAR University canteen that is run by the Sri Sai Ganesh Caterers. The inspection revealed several food safety issues, including the presence of rat faeces and cockroach infestation in the storeroom.

The inspection revealed that the FSSAI license was obtained for the registered address, not the food preparation premises, which is a violation of food safety regulations. Additionally, the canteen lacked a FoSTaC-trained supervisor, which is essential for maintaining hygiene and food safety standards.

As per the official update on X, important documents including pest control records and water analysis reports were found to be missing, raising concerns about sanitation and water safety.

NALSAR University: Expired food in canteen

Furthermore, insect-infested muskmelon seeds (20kg) were found that had to be discarded. As per the information on X, unlabelled raw rajma (90kg) and whole green gram (30kg) lacked proper packing dates, expiry dates, and batch numbers, violating food safety norms.

NALSAR University Canteen: Infrastructure and safety concerns

The preparation and dining areas were found to have several structural issues, such as slippery floors in the preparation area and windows and doors without insect-proof screens. Temperature records were not maintained, and raw materials were stored directly on the floor without pallets, further compromising food safety.

Environmental activist Samita Kaur highlighted the food safety violations at NALSAR University through a post on X (formerly Twitter). Sharing a photo of dal containing a cockroach, she criticised the hygiene standards at the NALSAR university canteen, stating, "This is one of the top Indian Law College in Hyderabad NALSAR University of Law ! Look at the breakfast served in it's mess. Strict action needs to be taken against them."