HYDERABAD - The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) is now equipped with augmented authority to police food safety across the city. Powers previously consolidated have been distributed to Zonal Commissioners, who are now designated as officers at the sub-divisional rank. This shift, effective from April 5, 2025, empowers these officials to issue or revoke licenses for Food Business Operators (FBOs). Their purview extends to sealing establishments, prohibiting the sale of substandard food items, and enforcing violations of the Food Safety and Standards Act (FSS Act), 2006.
The Commissioner of Food Safety has officially delegated enforcement powers to GHMC Zonal Commissioners, transforming them into licensing authorities with the capacity to penalize and halt food businesses that contravene established safety regulations. This delegation follows a pattern of intensified inspection drives and public advisories aimed at bolstering hygiene standards within the city's food sector.
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Recent Inspections Uncover Widespread Non-Compliance
In a concentrated effort, the GHMC's food safety wing recently conducted 81 inspections across various locations including parks, school premises, food courts, and bakeries. During these recent sweeps, 14 notices were issued to Food Business Operators for identified violations, and suspicious food samples were collected for laboratory analysis. Officials engaged with operators, offering guidance on critical aspects of food safety and hygiene, such as proper labeling, storage protocols, and pest control measures. These operations are part of a larger, ongoing 99-day action plan by the GHMC, with a notable emphasis on food outlets in areas frequented by children.
Earlier in June 2025, a targeted drive saw 90 bakeries inspected, resulting in the collection of 80 food samples. Operators were specifically advised on maintaining hygiene, proper labeling, and kitchen cleanliness.
Enforcement Efforts Face Scrutiny and Internal Challenges
Despite these active enforcement measures, the GHMC's food safety apparatus has faced internal criticism and public skepticism. As recently as February 2024, allegations surfaced from Congress corporators, accusing GHMC food safety officials of "turning a blind eye" to rampant food adulteration. While the Mayor issued warnings and mandated weekly reports from food inspectors, a concerning detail emerged: the removal of food inspector contact numbers from the GHMC website. The disparity between reported complaints and actual violations flagged has fueled claims of a deficient inspection mechanism.
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Broader Industry Engagement and Advisory Measures
Beyond direct enforcement, the GHMC has also engaged with the broader food industry. In May 2024, discussions were held with restaurateurs and the National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI) to collaboratively improve food safety standards. This initiative aims to encourage proactive measures within the industry, such as better inventory management to avoid expired goods.
In December 2024, the GHMC issued a comprehensive advisory detailing "dos and don'ts" for all eateries, emphasizing hygiene, sanitation, and mandating CCTV installations in kitchens and dining areas for establishments with a seating capacity exceeding 50. The corporation has also pledged to publicly disclose the names of establishments found in violation. This move is coupled with efforts to bring street food vendors under the FSSAI regulatory framework, with approximately 2,500 registration certificates issued to hawkers and vendors. As of October 31, 2024, the GHMC reported conducting 9,886 inspections and imposing penalties totaling ₹25,46,001.
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Institutional Developments and Past Initiatives
The GHMC's commitment to food safety has also been reflected in recruitment drives. In October 2025, a notification was released for 17 positions, including Food Safety Experts and Veterinary Officers, signaling an intent to bolster its specialized workforce. Past initiatives, such as mobile teams formed during the Ramzan festival in March 2023, demonstrate recurring efforts to address specific seasonal concerns and public complaints regarding food quality in hotels and restaurants. The GHMC has also inspected vegetable markets and fruit vendors, providing sensitization on basic hygiene and proper waste disposal.
