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Amid the ongoing inspection by the food safety officials, two food storage facilities in Bengaluru were sealed after the authorities found unhygienic food handling
and storage conditions during an inspection drive. The warehouses of an Indira Canteen in Gottigere and a quick-commerce company in Hoskote were sealed by the Food Safety and Drug Administration Department. The action comes as the department steps up inspections of food businesses across Bengaluru, including star hotels and high-end restaurants, according to a PTI report.
Indira Canteen Kitchens Inspected
Officials inspected three Indira Canteen kitchens in Bengaluru to check food quality, safety, storage, labelling and handling practices, PTI reported. The inspections were carried out at canteens in Gottigere and Singasandra in Bengaluru South and Lingarajapuram in Bengaluru North.
The department said several violations were found during the inspections, including improper labelling, misbranding and unhygienic food handling. Notices were issued to the operators of all three establishments, and the department recommended legal action against them.
The warehouse of the Gottigere Indira Canteen was sealed after officials found unhygienic conditions while handling and storing food.
Samples of pulses, turmeric powder, cooking oil, jaggery, salt, sugar and other prepared food items were also collected. These samples have been sent to a food laboratory for testing.
Indira Canteens were launched by former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah during his earlier term in office. The canteens provide subsidised meals to people.
Quick-Commerce Warehouse Sealed
The department also inspected the warehouse of a quick-commerce company in Hoskote, on the outskirts of Bengaluru. Officials described the premises as “highly unhygienic” and sealed the warehouse over food handling and storage violations.
A notice has also been issued to the company. The department said strict action would be taken against food businesses that fail to follow food safety rules. The inspections were carried out under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and related food safety regulations.
Food Businesses Get Fresh Advisory
Along with the inspections, the department has issued an advisory for hotels, restaurants, dhabas and other food establishments. The advisory asks food businesses to keep cooking areas clean, properly managed and well ventilated. Separate sinks should be used for washing utensils, cleaning equipment and raw food.
Food ingredients must be fresh, safe and bought from reliable sources. Food handlers must also maintain proper personal hygiene.
The department has advised businesses to avoid reusing cooking oil and to carry out regular pest control. Raw meat, fish and vegetables should be stored separately to prevent contamination.
Expired food, spoiled fruits and vegetables and food with signs of fungal growth must be removed immediately. The department also warned food businesses against using unsafe artificial colours or unauthorised food additives. Officials said inspection drives will continue to ensure that people are served safe, hygienic and good-quality food.
