EatClub Central Kitchen Licence Suspended Over Major Food Safety Violations
Hyderabad: Food Safety authorities have suspended the operating licence of a central kitchen run by EatClub Brands Pvt. Ltd. following an inspection that uncovered multiple hygiene, storage and labelling violations at its facility in Ghatkesar, Medchal-Malkajgiri district.
The kitchen reportedly supplied prepared food and ingredients to outlets functioning under brands such as Box8 and MOJO Pizza. During the inspection, officials said they found evidence of cockroach, housefly and rodent infestation inside the premises, raising serious concerns about sanitation and food contamination risks.
Inspectors also documented deficiencies in the way food items were being handled and stored. Raw meat, eggs and other vegetarian and non-vegetarian products were allegedly kept under unsuitable conditions, without sufficient separation or proper safety controls. Authorities further reported that temperature requirements were not adequately maintained while transporting food from the kitchen.
According to the inspection findings, some workers were preparing food using bare hands in areas described as unhygienic. Such practices can increase the possibility of cross-contamination, particularly in large-scale kitchens that produce food for multiple delivery outlets.
The inspection team also raised concerns about the use of synthetic food colours at the facility. In addition, officials reportedly found misleading labels on certain ingredients. Sugar used for routine cooking was allegedly packaged or described as “Pharmaceutical Grade,” despite being intended for normal food preparation.
Authorities said this was among several labelling irregularities recorded during the raid. The kitchen was also reportedly operating under inappropriate licence categories and did not maintain complete food safety documentation, according to the inspection report.
Food products found to be in violation of applicable safety regulations were seized. The unit’s licence was then suspended, preventing it from legally continuing operations until the authorities complete further proceedings and any required corrective measures are addressed.
Officials have initiated action against the company under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. The exact penalties or additional enforcement measures will depend on the findings of the authorities and the outcome of the legal and regulatory process.
EatClub Brands, which was previously known as Box8, operates a cloud-kitchen network serving several food-delivery brands across multiple Indian cities. Its operations reportedly include Hyderabad, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Delhi-NCR.
Cloud kitchens typically prepare food exclusively for delivery rather than serving customers at a dine-in location. Because a single central facility may supply several brands or outlets, food hygiene failures at such units can potentially affect a large number of consumers.
The inspection highlights the importance of regular pest control, temperature monitoring, accurate labelling and strict separation between raw and prepared food. Food businesses are also required to maintain appropriate licences and records to demonstrate compliance with safety regulations.
At the time the report was published, an independently verified response from EatClub Brands was not available. The company’s position on the inspection findings and licence suspension therefore remains unclear.
Authorities are expected to continue examining the violations and determine whether the kitchen can resume operations after corrective measures, compliance checks and any required regulatory approvals.
