By N.S. Rao I  Special Correspondent | Warangal

Growing concerns over food safety and hygiene at a section of hotels, restaurants and roadside eateries in Warangal have prompted citizens and consumer rights activists to seek stricter enforcement of food safety regulations. Residents fear that if unhygienic practices continue unchecked, they could adversely affect the reputation of Warangal, a Heritage City, Smart City and one of Telangana's major tourist and educational hubs.

Warangal attracts thousands of tourists, students, pilgrims and business travellers every year as the gateway to destinations such as Laknavaram Lake, Pakhal Lake, Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary and Medaram, besides being home to the UNESCO-recognised Kakatiya monuments. Citizens say maintaining high standards of food hygiene is essential to preserving the city's image and ensuring public health.

Consumers have alleged that some food establishments fail to maintain basic standards of cleanliness, including unhygienic kitchens, poor sanitation, improper food handling and inadequate cleaning of utensils. Complaints also include the absence of safe drinking water, insufficient hand-washing facilities and improper disposal of food waste, creating conditions that attract flies, mosquitoes, rodents and stray animals around eateries.

Residents have further expressed concern over the alleged use of repeatedly heated cooking oil, inferior quality ingredients, excessive artificial colours and flavour enhancers, and poor storage of raw materials in some establishments. These allegations have not been independently verified and require investigation by the competent authorities.

Another issue highlighted by citizens is the alleged encroachment of footpaths and public roads by roadside food vendors, resulting in traffic congestion and inconvenience to pedestrians. Questions have also been raised about the display of valid food safety licences, pricing transparency and compliance with regulatory norms.

Medical experts warn that consumption of contaminated food can lead to food poisoning, gastroenteritis, diarrhoea, vomiting and dehydration, while prolonged consumption of unhealthy food prepared under unhygienic conditions may increase the risk of chronic health problems. Children, senior citizens, pregnant women and people with weakened immunity are considered particularly vulnerable.

Consumer groups have urged the Food Safety Department, Greater Warangal Municipal Corporation, Public Health Department, Food & Civil Supplies Department, Legal Metrology Department and other regulatory agencies to conduct regular surprise inspections, collect food samples for laboratory testing and initiate strict action against violators. They have also called for continuous monitoring and greater public awareness to ensure compliance with food safety standards.

It is noteworthy that many restaurants and food establishments in Warangal maintain satisfactory hygiene standards and comply with food safety regulations. Citizens believe that consistent enforcement against violators, while encouraging responsible businesses, is essential to safeguarding public health and protecting Warangal's standing as one of Telangana's premier heritage and tourism destinations.