Food safety officials in Telangana sealed a Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) outlet on Sawaran Street, Karimnagar, on Friday, November 6, 2026, after allegedly finding substandard cooking oil and unhygienic food preparation conditions. Approximately 90 kg of cooking oil was seized during the inspection, while food samples and ingredients were collected for laboratory testing.
The inspection was led by Food Safety Officer Ankith Reddy. The action followed concerns over food quality, hygiene and consumer safety. Subsequently, the Telangana Standards Authority for Food and Essential Drugs (TG SAFE) suspended the outlet’s food safety licence and directed it to stop operations.
Substandard Cooking Oil And Poor Hygiene
The inspection reportedly revealed that cooking oil used for preparing French fries and chicken items had Total Polar Compounds (TPC) readings of 31 and 35.5, respectively, exceeding the permissible limit of 25 per cent Officials removed approximately 90 litres of cooking oil from the fryers and seized it. They also reported a foul smell in the food thawing area, housefly infestation and unhygienic conditions inside freezers, where dust and food debris were found. The inspection team collected samples of food products and ingredients used in their preparation for laboratory examination. The findings raised concerns about the outlet’s compliance with prescribed food safety and hygiene standards.
Management Disputes Inspection
During the inspection, the outlet’s management reportedly argued with the food safety team led by Food Safety Officer Ankith Reddy. Some reports also stated that the staff initially resisted the inspection, prompting officials to seek assistance from the Second Town Police. The samples collected during the inspection were sent for laboratory testing. Officials indicated that further action would depend on the findings of the test reports.
However, the matter soon extended beyond the seizure of cooking oil. According to a statement issued by TG SAFE Commissioner on Friday, November 6, the authority suspended the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) licence and registration of the Karimnagar outlet, directing it to immediately suspend business operations in the interest of public health. The outlet, operated by Devyani International Limited, was among five food establishments across Telangana that faced action following inspections.
Five Food Establishments Face Action Across Telangana
The Karimnagar action was part of a wider food safety enforcement drive across Telangana, during which TG SAFE suspended the licences and registrations of five establishments. These included Pista House in Muthangi, Patancheru; Ganapathi Hotel Mess and Hostel at Patancheru Bus Stand; Nawabi Delights at Madannapet; and SK Bakers and Fast Food in Mehdipatnam.
Inspections at these establishments reportedly uncovered several violations, including cockroach infestations, rat droppings, expired food products, clogged drains, improper storage of raw and cooked meat, and inadequate kitchen hygiene. At some locations, officials also found food handlers working without gloves, aprons and headgear. TG SAFE stated that the enforcement action followed routine inspections by food safety officers and was intended to prevent risks to public health. The authority directed all five establishments to stop operations immediately.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Food safety is not merely a regulatory requirement but a fundamental responsibility towards every person who walks into a restaurant and trusts that the food served is safe to consume. Whether an establishment is a multinational food chain or a neighbourhood eatery, maintaining hygiene, using quality ingredients and following food safety standards must remain non-negotiable.
Regular inspections, transparent reporting and accountability are essential to protect consumers and build public trust. At the same time, establishments must be given a fair opportunity to address violations in accordance with the law. Consumers, too, should be encouraged to report unhygienic practices rather than ignore potential risks. How can authorities and food businesses work together to ensure that food safety becomes a priority across India’s restaurant industry?
Also Read: At Least Seven Killed, 125 Injured As Two Trains Collide In Egypt’s Giza Province
