After Punjab girl's death, fungus found in Banana Cake in Telangana; Food Safety officials take action

Hyderabad: Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) Food Safety officials have taken action after a social media complaint revealed fungus in Banana cake.

In a statement here on Sunday, K Balaji Raju, Assistant Food Controller, GHMC said a complaint was received via social media platform (X) by Karvendhan, stating that they purchased a Banana Cake from M/s Pista House, Uppal, Hyderabad, on the night of April 5 only to find it contaminated with fungus despite the expiry date being 10th April 2024.

Promptly responding to the complaint, the Food Safety Officers of Circle No.8 & 28, GHMC were directed to investigate M/s Pista House, Uppal. Upon inspection conducted on Sunday, certain deficiencies were noted on the premises, leading to the issuance of a notice to the management of M/s. Pista House, Uppal, Hyderabad, for rectification.

In addition, surveillance samples were collected under the Provisions of the Food Safety & Standards Act, 2006 and Rules, 2011 for analysis, including Pista House Plum Cake, Pista House Sponge Cake, and Pista House Milk Bread. Furthermore, the Banana Cake sample obtained from the complainant, along with the samples above, was forwarded to the State Food Laboratory, Telangana, Hyderabad, for detailed analysis. Subsequent actions against the management of M/s Pista House, will be determined based on the analysis report and by the provisions of the Food Safety & Standards Act, 2006, and Rules & Regulations, 2011.

All eating establishments are hereby reminded of their responsibility to maintain hygiene standards and ensure the provision of wholesome food to consumers, as mandated by the Food Safety & Standards Act, 2006. Non-compliance will result in legal action being taken under the relevant provisions, the statement added.

Last month, a 10-year-old girl Manvi, from Patiala, died after eating cake on her birthday.