Hyderabad: Food Safety Department sounds alert on fake inspectors

Hyderabad: The Telangana Food Safety Department has issued a public warning after receiving complaints that fraudsters posing as Food Safety Officers are targeting roadside food stalls, dhabas and small eateries in Hyderabad outskirts, especially in Ranga Reddy district. The imposters allegedly threaten hoteliers with inspections, and penalties unless they pay cash on the spot.

Fake food safety officers and extortion attempts targeting food business owners have been reported in the Hyderabad and Ranga Reddy districts. In some cases, they have also offered fake food safety licences and training certificates in exchange for money. Real crackdowns on food safety violations are conducted jointly by the police and official food safety departments.

Food Safety Officer from Ranga Reddy District Manoj Kumar said the department has received several complaints from food business operators, who were approached by individuals falsely claiming to be officials. He clarified that genuine Food Safety Officers do not demand cash during inspections or issue licences or certificates at food stalls or commercial establishments.

Manoj said, “All food safety licences, registrations, permits and training programmes are processed only through official government channels. No Food Safety Officer is authorised to collect cash during inspections or issue certificates on the spot,” he said. The warning comes at a time when regular food safety inspections are being conducted across Telangana to ensure compliance with food safety standards. Officials said fraudsters appear to be taking advantage of these ongoing inspections by misleading unsuspecting traders into believing they are government representatives.

The food safety officials urged all food business operators to remain vigilant and verify the identity of anyone claiming to represent the department before sharing information or making any payment. Traders have also been advised not to hand over cash to any individual demanding money in the name of inspections and licences.