Food Safety – Bengaluru Hotels Face Action After Surprise Checks Find Violations
Food Safety – The Food Safety Wing of Karnataka’s Food Safety and Drug Administration Department has initiated enforcement action against several three-star and five-star hotels in Bengaluru after a special inspection drive detected a range of food safety lapses.
26 Hotels Inspected During Special Drive
The department deployed 30 inspection teams as part of the exercise. Officials visited 26 hotels and collected 35 samples of different food products for laboratory testing. The inspections were aimed at checking compliance with food safety requirements and identifying practices that could pose risks to consumers.
Among the concerns recorded by officials were incorrect or incomplete food labels, expired products being kept in storage, poor hygiene during food handling, and unsuitable storage conditions. Inspectors also reported fungal growth on some vegetables and found that vegetarian and non-vegetarian food items were not always adequately separated.
Officials Flag Labelling and Storage Violations
The inspection teams found instances where food products did not meet the labelling requirements prescribed by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). Some products were reportedly found to have improper labelling or misbranding.
The presence of expired food items in storage was another violation noted during the inspections. Officials also raised concerns about hygiene standards in areas where food was being handled and stored, prompting further action against the establishments concerned.
Notices Issued to Food Businesses
Following the findings, notices have been served on the Food Business Operators (FBOs) linked to the establishments where violations were detected. The department said adjudication proceedings will be initiated under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
The cases will be placed before the designated Adjudicating Officer, where the alleged violations will be examined in accordance with the applicable provisions of the law.
Wide Range of Food Samples Collected
The samples collected during the inspection campaign covered a broad selection of commonly used food products. These included tea powder, chicken, mutton, fish, edible oil, chilli powder, turmeric powder, tomato sauce, lemon juice, cheese, papad, cashew nuts, ginger, pepper powder, mixed spice products and milk.
The samples have been sent for laboratory analysis. The test results are expected to help authorities determine whether the products comply with the prescribed food safety standards.
Complaints Prompt Fresh Enforcement
The Karnataka Health and Family Welfare Department had formed the special teams after receiving complaints concerning food quality, hygiene and food safety practices at eateries. Some of the complaints were submitted by members of the public and circulated through social media platforms.
The inspection campaign was undertaken following directions from Karnataka Health and Family Welfare Minister UT Khader. Authorities have been responding to growing concerns about hygiene practices and the quality of food served at hotels, restaurants and other food establishments.
Social Media Complaints Add to Public Concern
In recent months, several posts and videos circulating online have drawn attention to alleged unhygienic kitchen conditions, inadequate food handling and the use of artificial colours in dishes including gobi manchurian, kebabs and other prepared foods.
While individual complaints require verification by the authorities, the growing number of such concerns has contributed to increased scrutiny of food businesses across Karnataka.
Similar Action Taken Under Operation Eat Right
The state had undertaken a comparable enforcement campaign last year under “Operation Eat Right” following reports involving food poisoning and the use of artificial colouring. During that campaign, food establishments were inspected, notices were issued where violations were identified, and penalties were imposed in cases of non-compliance.
The latest inspection drive is part of the department’s continuing efforts to enforce food safety standards and address complaints related to hygiene and food quality.