Sanitary inspectors and public health officials of the Vijayawada Municipal Corporation (VMC) conducted inspections at hotels and restaurants in the city on Wednesday to check compliance with hygiene and food safety standards.

Following the directions of VMC Commissioner Dhyanachandra H.M., officials inspected eateries in the K.T. Road and B.R.P. Road areas.

The establishments inspected included Minerva Hotel, Veg Treat Hotel, Hotel Srinivas, Chintala Vari Bhojanam, Aithey Biryani and Madina Hotel, among others.

Officials found several deficiencies, including the absence of tiles in kitchen areas, mould growth on walls and other surfaces, improper maintenance of toilets and the use of substandard drinking water. They also found food being prepared and business activities being carried out in unhygienic conditions without adhering to prescribed cleanliness standards.

Fines of ₹2,000 each were imposed on Hotel Srinivas, Chintala Vari Bhojanam and Aithey Biryani. Notices were issued to the managements of two other hotels, directing them to rectify the deficiencies within the stipulated time and comply with hygiene, public health and food safety regulations.

Officials warned that further legal action would be taken against establishments that failed to rectify the deficiencies within the prescribed period. Steps would also be taken to cancel trade licences wherever necessary.

Sanitary Supervisors D. Somaraju and Saleem Ahmed, Sanitary Inspectors Kota Gopayya and Ward Secretary Rahul, along with other officials, participated in the inspections.