Food safety officials have found cockroaches, rats, insect-infested ingredients and poor storage practices at several eateries along the Hyderabad–Vijayawada National Highway, prompting closures and notices against establishments between Koyyalagudem and Kodad.
The inspections were conducted by the Telangana Safe Food Wing and Enforcement officials from 11 am on Tuesday. Officials examined hotels and eateries operating along the highway and identified multiple violations involving kitchen hygiene, storage, licensing and the handling of perishable food.
According to the inspection findings reported by Deccan Chronicle, cockroaches and rats were found in storage areas, while food was being prepared in unhygienic kitchens. Pulses and other raw ingredients were also found to be insect-infested and were being used for cooking.
The enforcement teams found that meat and dairy products were not being stored under proper conditions or at the temperatures required for food safety. Some establishments were also storing food prepared on the previous day, raising concerns about how cooked food was handled and preserved before being served to customers.
Officials further found that one or more hotels were operating with expired licences issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. The findings place licensing compliance alongside basic hygiene and temperature control as areas requiring enforcement along the highway’s food-service network.
The action taken varies according to the nature and severity of the violations. Some hotels are being closed, while others have been issued show-cause notices. Establishments assessed as requiring corrective measures have been served improvement notices and will be required to address the deficiencies identified during the inspections.
The inspection corridor covers the stretch between Koyyalagudem and Kodad, a route used by intercity travellers moving between Hyderabad and Vijayawada. Highway eateries serve a transient customer base that may have limited information about kitchen conditions, licence status or food storage practices before purchasing a meal.
The inspections also highlight the operational challenge of monitoring food businesses spread across transport corridors. Compliance involves more than checking whether an establishment is open: enforcement teams must assess sanitation, pest control, ingredient quality, cold storage, cooked-food handling and the validity of statutory licences at the same premises.
The authorities said a detailed press note would be issued after inspections at all the identified establishments are completed. Further action and the names of the establishments involved are expected to be set out in that communication.
