In Telangana’s Mahaboobnagar district, a woman named Srisaila was horrified to find a small snake inside a curry puff purchased from a local Iyengar bakery in Jadcharla municipality. The snake was allegedly discovered when she opened the snack at home, intended for her children. On reporting the matter to the bakery owner, she faced indifference.
Consequently, Srisaila lodged a formal complaint with the local police. Authorities have begun an investigation into the bakery’s hygiene standards. This incident has sparked widespread concern about food safety in local bakeries and eateries in Telangana, raising questions about the enforcement of food safety regulations in smaller towns.
Snake Found in Curry Puff Sparks Alarm in Jadcharla
Srisaila bought an egg puff and a curry puff from the well-known Iyengar bakery, aiming to provide snacks for her children. Her shock was immense when, upon unpacking the curry puff at home, she found a small snake hidden inside. The presence of a live reptile inside a prepared food item has caused alarm and distress among the family and the wider community.
When she approached the bakery owner to seek an explanation, she was met with dismissive responses, which intensified her concerns. The family approached Jadcharla Police Station to file an official complaint. Local authorities confirmed that an investigation is underway, including a detailed inspection of the bakery’s premises by health officials to assess hygiene practices and ensure accountability.
Food Safety Challenges and Enforcement in Telangana
This incident throws a spotlight on broader systemic food safety challenges in Telangana, particularly in smaller municipalities where oversight and enforcement can be inconsistent. According to Telangana Food Safety Department records, inspections of food outlets in the state have increased substantially, with over 4,600 inspections conducted across various sectors in 2024, resulting in fines and disciplinary action for violations such as unsanitary handling and expired ingredients. The government has also set up task forces for unannounced inspections in Greater Hyderabad and other districts to improve compliance.
Despite these efforts, Telangana remains among states where food safety enforcement has room for improvement, especially in small town bakeries and street vendors. The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) has been empowered to take strict action against violations, including sealing premises and cancelling licences, but such measures may not fully reach smaller towns like Jadcharla. Public health experts emphasise the need for continual inspection, consumer awareness, and strict implementation of hygiene protocols to prevent contamination risks like pests and snakes in food preparation areas.
Expert Advice for Consumers and Food Businesses
Food safety experts advise consumers to be vigilant when purchasing ready-to-eat items, encouraging preference for outlets reputed for hygiene and accountability. It is recommended to avoid consumption of food from suspicious or unclean sources and to report any incidents promptly to authorities.
For food businesses, strict adherence to hygiene standards, including rodent and pest control measures, proper storage, and staff training, is essential to safeguard public health. Regular self-audits and cooperation with food inspectors can prevent health hazards and build consumer trust.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
This unsettling case exposes the critical importance of food safety vigilance and the ethical responsibility of food sellers to maintain clean and secure environments.
It also reflects the pivotal role of regulatory authorities in enforcing standards fairly and transparently to protect consumer health, especially in smaller communities. Incidents like these damage public trust and highlight how even rare lapses can have severe social and health repercussions.
