The Karnataka Food Safety and Drug Administration (FDA) has stepped up its crackdown on food safety violations at paying guest (PG) hostels in and around Bengaluru. Officials inspected 64 PGs following repeated complaints of poor food quality and unhygienic conditions, issuing notices to 23 establishments after detecting multiple violations.
One of the most serious violations was reported at Nandana Elite PG in Bommasandra, where officials allegedly found poisonous bedbug-control powder kept next to food on the dining table. Taking note of the potential health risk, authorities immediately sealed the dining area.
The inspections also uncovered several expired and unlabelled food products at different PGs. These included expired yoghurt, rice flour, Bisibele Bath Masala, synthetic food colouring, black pepper and other unbranded food items. The products were confiscated during the inspections.
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Officials collected 12 food samples from the inspected PGs and sent them to laboratories for quality and safety testing. Further action will be taken based on the test results and the nature of the violations found.
The action against PG hostels is part of a wider food safety campaign being conducted by the Karnataka Food Safety Department over the past two months.
As part of the drive, officials have been inspecting hotels, restaurants, online food-delivery dark stores and food manufacturing units to check compliance with food safety and hygiene standards.
Amazon, Instamart And BigBasket Also Face Action
The Karnataka authorities have also tightened scrutiny of food products being sold through online platforms.
Last week, the state Health Department ordered action against Amazon, Instamart and BigBasket over the alleged online sale of Datura fruits and seeds. An investigation reportedly found the toxic products being offered without the required FSSAI licence or registration, raising concerns over potential risks to consumers.
The latest inspections come amid increased scrutiny of food safety standards across the state. The Karnataka government recently held a high-level meeting with representatives of the Karnataka State Hotels Association, where the Health Minister stressed that there would be no compromise on consumer health and food safety.
The department's continued inspections are aimed at identifying violations, removing unsafe food products from circulation and ensuring that establishments serving food comply with prescribed safety and hygiene standards.