Who will raid the raiders? Karnataka health department checks its own canteen
In a striking twist to Karnataka’s intensified food safety crackdown, the Health Department has found violations at a canteen functioning inside its own headquarters in
In a striking twist to Karnataka’s intensified food safety crackdown, the Health Department has found violations at a canteen functioning inside its own headquarters in Bengaluru, including expired food products, unhygienic conditions and lapses in storage and pest control. The inspection was carried out at the canteen in Arogya Soudha, which houses the state Health Department headquarters. Officials found that the canteen was not being maintained in hygienic conditions and that some food products had crossed their expiry dates. Read Full Story Expired items included idli rava and coconut powder, according to the inspection findings.
The team also found that food products were not being stored in accordance with Food Safety and Standards Authority of India guidelines, while required pest-control measures had not been carried out. The findings come as Karnataka’s Food Safety and Drug Administration Department has stepped up inspections at hotels, restaurants, canteens and other food establishments across Bengaluru. INDIRA CANTEEN KITCHENS ALSO INSPECTED On Tuesday, the department conducted a special inspection drive at three Indira Canteen kitchens in Bengaluru Urban district — Gottigere, Lingarajapuram and Singasandra. The inspections were carried out under the guidance of Health and Family Welfare Minister UT Khader to examine food quality, storage, labelling and handling practices.
Officials reported violations including non-compliant labelling, misbranding and unhygienic food handling conditions. Notices were issued to the food business operators of all three establishments, while officials recommended further legal action. The warehouse of the Indira Canteen at Gottigere was also sealed after unhygienic food handling and storage conditions were found. Indira Canteens are a flagship subsidised meal programme launched by the Congress government during former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s earlier tenure. 60 HOTELS INSPECTED, 77 SAMPLES COLLECTED The inspections form part of a broader enforcement drive across Bengaluru Urban district and the Greater Bengaluru Area.
The department has also recently inspected several three-star and five-star hotels and other establishments to check compliance with food safety regulations. According to officials, 60 three-star and five-star hotels were inspected during the latest operation and 77 food samples were collected for laboratory testing. The department has said legal action will be taken against establishments found violating food safety norms and that the special inspection drives will continue. Ends
The BriefWire