Over 550 out of 723 sanctioned posts in the Andhra Pradesh Food Safety department are currently vacant.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu ordered the immediate filling of 150 vacant positions six months ago.
Severe staffing shortages have led to inadequate food quality monitoring, contributing to public health hazards like milk adulteration.
The Finance department has yet to clear the recruitment proposal, severely limiting the agency's enforcement capabilities.