“Want To Make State Healthier Again”: Karnataka Minister On Food Safety Crackdown

Karnataka has intensified its food safety inspections across Bengaluru, targeting establishments ranging from five-star hotels and premium restaurants to pubs, warehouses and large food-supply networks. Recent inspections have reportedly found expired milk, rotten meat, fungal growth on fruits and vegetables, poor hygiene and other violations. Health Minister UT Khader has defended the campaign, stating that the government’s primary objective is to protect public health and improve food safety practices across the state.

Khader explained that the inspections began with premium establishments because the government wanted to send a broader message to the food industry. He questioned the way certain processed, frozen and packaged products are stored and supplied, particularly products that remain in storage for extended periods. According to the minister, consumers should have greater clarity about preservation methods, storage conditions and the use of products that may remain in cold storage for long periods.

The minister described some inspection findings as particularly concerning because they were reported at establishments where customers pay premium prices. Officials reportedly found rotten mutton, expired chicken and milk, as well as fruits with fungal growth. A Zepto warehouse in Hoskote was also sealed following reported hygiene violations. Khader also alleged that one establishment was repeatedly reusing cooking oil until it had become extremely dark. He maintained that the objective was not simply to penalise businesses but to ensure they establish systems that maintain cleanliness and serve safe food.

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Khader also urged food establishments to improve transparency by allowing consumers to see their kitchens and storerooms. Businesses that dispute inspection findings will have an opportunity to respond to notices issued by the Food Safety Department, he noted. The minister also pointed to an alleged labelling irregularity in which a chicken packet reportedly carried a manufacturing date later than the date of inspection. He said authorities would need to establish whether the label had been altered and determine the source of the product before taking further action.

The crackdown has expanded beyond hotels and restaurants to quick-commerce warehouses, Indira Canteens, paying guest accommodations, hostels and catering companies. Khader maintained that warehouses supplying food through delivery platforms must also be inspected because they form part of the wider supply chain. Government-run canteens are not exempt from scrutiny, he added, while catering companies are also being examined because some prepare food for multiple events through central kitchens. Depending on the violations, authorities can impose fines, close establishments or cancel licences under applicable food safety laws.

Khader also acknowledged that government agencies cannot inspect every food establishment continuously and called for greater participation from citizens and civil society. The state is considering taluk-level citizen watch teams to strengthen public monitoring and awareness. Karnataka also plans to seek greater coordination with the Centre and other states on food safety enforcement, including discussions among food safety officers from across the country. Khader maintained that sustained inspections, stronger compliance systems and consumer awareness would be essential to improving food safety and making Karnataka healthier.

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