Telangana currently has around 1.41 lakh food business establishments, with nearly 80% concentrated in urban centres such as Hyderabad. This rapid expansion reflects the growing demand for ready-to-eat and processed food, driven largely by urban lifestyles and changing consumption patterns.
However, Health Minister C. Damodar Raja Narasimha warned that the surge in food businesses has also created opportunities for food adulteration and the use of substandard ingredients, posing serious risks to public health.
Food Safety Awareness Walkathon in Hyderabad
As reported by The Hindu, the Minister made these remarks after flagging off a Food Safety Awareness Walkathon at Jalavihar in Hyderabad on Monday (April 6, 2026). The event witnessed participation from around 1,000 students and young volunteers, who joined the initiative to raise awareness about food safety and healthy eating habits.
During the event, the Minister highlighted how rapid urbanisation and hectic work schedules have reduced the frequency of home-cooked meals. As a result, many people increasingly rely on restaurants, street food vendors, and processed food products.
“While this shift has significantly expanded the food industry, it has also created opportunities for malpractice,” he noted.
Food Adulteration Affecting Essential Food Items
The Health Minister pointed out that food adulteration has become widespread, affecting even commonly used household items. According to him, several essential food products—including salt, pulses, tamarind, sugar, and tea leaves—are now vulnerable to adulteration.
Moreover, some food establishments reportedly use inferior cooking oils and low-quality ingredients to cut costs, thereby compromising food quality and consumer safety.
Health Risks Linked to Adulterated and Unhealthy Food
Consumption of adulterated or poor-quality food can lead to immediate health problems such as gastrointestinal disorders. Over time, however, such dietary habits may significantly increase the risk of chronic illnesses.
The Minister emphasised that regular consumption of unhealthy food contributes to the rising incidence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including:
- Diabetes
- Hypertension
- Heart disease
- Kidney ailments
- Obesity
“These unhealthy dietary patterns are major contributors to the growing burden of lifestyle diseases in Telangana, particularly in Hyderabad,” he said.
Government Intensifies Enforcement Against Violations
In response to the growing concern over food adulteration, the Telangana government has adopted a strict enforcement strategy.
Over the past two years, authorities have conducted more than 11,000 inspections in coordination with the Food Safety Department and the Police Department. During these inspections, officials identified several violations and initiated legal action against hotels and restaurants found using adulterated or substandard ingredients.
The Minister made it clear that the government will continue strict monitoring with zero tolerance for food safety violations.
Strengthening Food Safety Infrastructure
To enhance monitoring and enforcement, the government has taken several additional measures. It has recently appointed 24 new food inspectors to strengthen regulatory oversight across the state.
Furthermore, authorities have deployed five mobile food testing vehicles, which will help conduct on-the-spot testing of food samples in different districts.
New Food Testing Laboratories to Boost Capacity
In order to further strengthen the state’s food safety infrastructure, the government will establish three new regional food testing laboratories.
These laboratories will be located in:
- Nizamabad
- Hanumakonda
- Mahabubnagar
The project will be implemented at an estimated cost of ₹15 crore, significantly improving the state’s capacity to test food samples and detect adulteration.
Tougher Legal Action Under Consideration
Looking ahead, the Telangana government is also exploring stronger legal measures to curb food adulteration.
Following a scientific study, authorities are considering invoking the Preventive Detention (PD) Act against individuals involved in large-scale food adulteration. According to the Minister, this step could act as a strong deterrent against those endangering public health through unsafe food practices.
Telangana’s Commitment to Safer Food
Through increased inspections, stronger enforcement mechanisms, and improved testing infrastructure, the Telangana government aims to ensure safer food for consumers across the state.
At the same time, initiatives such as the Food Safety Awareness Walkathon seek to educate citizens about healthy dietary choices and the importance of food safety, ultimately contributing to better public health outcomes.