G Pulla Reddy Sweets’ Hyderabad unit fails re-inspection, relief denied

The court also asked why authorities were not acting against other well-known sweet makers in the city, calling their approach "pick-and-choose."

Hyderabad: The Telangana High Court on Friday, November 6, refused to revoke the suspension of the food safety licence of G Pulla Reddy Sweets’ manufacturing unit at Sanathnagar, saying the unit had failed to deliver the hygiene and safety compliance it had promised the court.

Justice NV Shravan Kumar also asked why authorities were not acting against other well-known sweet makers in the city, calling their approach “pick-and-choose”, reported The Times of India. The court adjourned the matter to Wednesday, November 18.

Fresh inspection

The Telangana Standards Authority for Food and Essential Drugs (TG-SAFE) inspected the unit again on Thursday, November 5, in the presence of its representatives. Officials reportedly found a live cockroach infestation, dead insects on refrigerator lids, dirty utensils, rusted trays and inadequate temperature monitoring, besides several maintenance lapses.

The inspection followed the court’s direction on Wednesday, November 4, when the company’s counsel said the deficiencies had been rectified and assured the court that the unit would fully comply with food safety and hygiene norms. He sought revocation of the suspension, citing the festive season and high demand for sweets. The court had asked the authorities to conduct a fresh inspection and place a report before it before passing any orders.

Government opposes relief

Citing the report, P Shravan Kumar Goud, government pleader for health, medical and family welfare, opposed any relief. He argued that letting the unit off would embolden other entities to continue unhygienic practices and endanger public health. He also said that the state government has made the issue a top priority and that such drives are held regularly across the state.

When the petitioner’s counsel contended that the lapses were similar to those found in any household kitchen and could be fixed, the judge took strong objection. The court observed that commercial establishments cannot be allowed to operate while putting public health at risk, and remarked that such enforcement drives should be carried out on a larger scale.

Why the licence was suspended

TG-SAFE suspended the unit’s licence on Tuesday, October 27, during a statewide crackdown on food manufacturing facilities. Officials allegedly found rotten vegetables, rat faeces, expired and mislabelled food products and unhygienic manufacturing conditions. The unit was also reportedly operating under the wrong licence category. Authorities seized 3,133 kg of food items worth Rs 15.03 lakh.