Govt to set up New Testing, Mobile labs to Strengthen Food Safety Standards: Raja Narasimha

Hyderabad: Health Minister Damodara Raja Narasimha has announced that the Telangana government is strengthening food safety measures by establishing three new food testing laboratories in Warangal, Nizamabad and Mahabubnagar.

He also informed that five new mobile food testing labs will soon be introducing at various places and the Nacharam food safety lab is also being modernised, with an annual testing capacity target of 24,000 food samples.

During an event organised by the Food Safety Department and the Indian Institute of Health and Family Welfare in Vengal Rao Nagar here on Tuesday, the Minister distributed FSSAI licenses and registration certificates to street food vendors.

The Minister stressed the importance of responsibility in food safety, advising strict adherence to standards.

"The government will be increasing the number of food safety officers to match the growing population and the rise in food establishments. Moreover, a special cell is being set up at collectorates to handle complaints and resolve food safety issues," he said.

Minister Raja Narasimha also urged hotel and restaurant owners to maintain food and environmental hygiene, assuring government support for businesses that comply with regulations.

He issued a warning to those violating safety standards, specifically mentioning that hostel kitchens failing to provide nutritious food to children will face penalties.

The Minister emphasised Hyderabad's reputation as a hub for high-quality food and biryani, encouraging the hotel and street food industries to uphold and expand this legacy globally.

"The government will conduct regular inspections of all hotels, restaurants, street food stalls, and diet canteens to ensure compliance with safety and hygiene standards," he added.