UT Khader Warns Food Businesses Not to Compromise Public Health for Profit
Health Minister says strict inspections will cover hotels, PGs, hostels and other food establishments across Dakshina Kannada
Mangaluru: Karnataka Health Minister and Dakshina Kannada district in charge minister U T Khader has warned owners of paying guest accommodations, hostels, hotels and other food establishments against compromising food quality and hygiene for the sake of profit.
Speaking to reporters in Mangaluru on Saturday, Khader said providing safe and quality food is the primary responsibility of food business operators, particularly those serving students and residents of PG accommodations and hostels.
He said officials would conduct inspections whenever complaints regarding poor quality or unhygienic food are received. The inspections will cover a wide range of establishments, from canteens in major hospitals to small hotels, PG accommodations and hostels.
Khader said a QR code based complaint system has been introduced to make it easier for members of the public to report problems related to food quality and hygiene.
Under the system, complaints submitted by the public are routed directly to the concerned department through its mobile system. Officials are required to visit the location, inspect the premises and submit a detailed report after receiving a complaint.
The minister urged people to use the complaint mechanism if they encounter substandard or unhygienic food.
He stressed that food safety and public health cannot be compromised and said food establishments must ensure proper hygiene and quality standards while serving customers.
The inspections are part of the state government’s wider food safety drive, which has also been extended to PG accommodations and hostels where large numbers of students and young people reside.