Illegal Osmania biscuit unit busted in Amberpet

An illegal Osmania biscuit manufacturing unit, operating as Meraj Bakery, was busted in Amberpet, with a case booked in connection with alleged food safety violations, the police said on Friday.

The accused, Mohd Meraj, 36, owner of Meraj Bakery in Kamalanagar, was found to be operating the unit under highly unhygienic conditions. The action followed a complaint by a sub-inspector of Amberpet police station, who received credible information about food adulteration on the premises.

During the inspection, police and food safety officials found that Osmania biscuits were being prepared without basic hygiene measures. Workers were not using gloves, hairnets or aprons, and baking trays were repeatedly dipped in the same water, which had turned contaminated. Raw materials were stored directly on the floor, while houseflies were seen hovering around the preparation area.

Authorities also noted flaking paint on walls and ceilings, lack of proper storage facilities and absence of pest control and health records. Biscuit flavouring was being carried out in unhygienic conditions, rendering the products unsafe for consumption.

A total of 159 cartons of biscuits, each containing 30 packets, were seized from the premises. Officials said samples collected from the unit have been sent to a laboratory for analysis.

A case has been registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, and further investigation is under way. Officials said strict action would be taken against those endangering public health.