Karnataka food safety authorities have ramped up inspections across the state, uncovering over 1,000 kg of unsafe food items. The latest enforcement actions include the seizure of 68 kg of expired meat from hotels in Mysuru and a targeted raid on a KFC outlet in Mangaluru following a consumer complaint.
Mysuru Hotels Found with Expired Products
On Saturday, food safety officials conducted inspections in Mysuru, leading to significant findings. At the Rio Meridian Hotel, 9 kg of expired chicken was confiscated. The Grand Mercure Hotel faced a larger seizure, with officials taking possession of 68 kg of various meats. Additionally, 4 kg of mushrooms were seized from the Q Star Hotel due to spoilage.
Inspections extended to three resorts in Mysuru and Nanjangud taluks, resulting in three formal notices issued for non-compliance. Authorities also collected five food samples for detailed laboratory analysis, comprising two legal samples and three survey samples. In total, approximately 16 kg of expired and perishable food was discarded during these operations.
KFC Outlet in Mangaluru Investigated
The food safety crackdown also reached Mangaluru, where officials conducted a surprise inspection at a KFC outlet located at City Centre on K.S. Rao Road. This action was prompted by a consumer complaint regarding a Chicken Peri Peri Leg ordered online, which the customer alleged tasted stale and was unfit for consumption.
During the inspection, officials thoroughly examined the outlet's kitchen, storage areas, cold rooms, freezers, and existing cooked food stocks to assess hygiene and food handling practices.
Statewide Clampdown Reveals Widespread Issues
These inspections are part of a broader, ongoing initiative across major urban centers including Bengaluru, Mysuru, and Mangaluru. Authorities have reported finding expired food products, rotten vegetables, fungal contamination, and improper meat storage practices in numerous establishments, including three-star and five-star hotels.
In Bengaluru Urban district alone, food safety teams recently inspected 60 upscale hotels, collecting 77 food samples for laboratory testing. The drive has also extended to food outlets within government complexes such as Vidhana Soudha, Vikasa Soudha, and Arogya Soudha, where unhygienic handling, inadequate pest control, and expired ingredients were identified.
Beyond hotels and restaurants, the campaign has encompassed quick-commerce storage centers and community feeding facilities, including some Indira Canteens. While some establishments received notices to rectify deficiencies, others faced closure orders due to severe sanitation issues.
Enforcing Food Safety Standards
The comprehensive food safety drive aims to rigorously enforce the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, along with its associated licensing regulations. Food businesses are being reminded of their obligations to maintain stringent temperature controls, high standards of sanitation, and effective waste disposal systems to ensure public health and safety.