Karnataka Intensifies Food Safety Checks, Inspects 1,849 Hotels and Food Outlets
More than 2,400 food samples have been collected for laboratory testing as authorities tighten action over hygiene violations and misleading claims.
Bengaluru: Food safety inspections have been intensified across Karnataka, with authorities checking 1,849 hotels and food establishments and collecting more than 2,400 samples for laboratory testing.
Health Minister U T Khader said the Food Safety Wing of the Food Safety and Drug Administration Department has launched special enforcement measures across the state to improve food hygiene and protect consumers.
Officials inspected 629 hotels serving communities from backward classes and collected 1,860 food samples for testing.
A further 331 hotels operating under the Social Welfare Department were inspected, resulting in the collection of 556 additional food samples.
Authorities also inspected 889 food outlets and establishments located at 186 bus stands. Notices were issued to 206 establishments after officials found unhygienic conditions. Fines amounting to Rs 55,000 were also collected on the spot.
The statewide enforcement drive comes a day after food safety officials conducted a surprise inspection at a major fast food outlet in Mangaluru following a consumer complaint about spoiled chicken ordered online.
Officials inspected the outlet’s kitchen, storage facilities and refrigeration units before sealing its warehouse. Samples of the food were collected and sent to a laboratory for examination.
Officials said further legal and administrative action will be taken after the laboratory results are received. A separate raid was also conducted in Mysuru, where investigations are continuing.
Meanwhile, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India said six food businesses had taken corrective action after receiving notices for violations of food safety regulations.
According to the national food regulator, the companies acted promptly after being served notices. Their corrective measures included withdrawing labels and trademarks that were considered misleading.
The developments come as food safety authorities step up enforcement both in Karnataka and at the national level, with greater focus on hygiene standards, consumer complaints and misleading information on food products.