Inspections at several premium hotels and resorts across Bengaluru have uncovered alleged food safety and hygiene violations, including expired milk and meat, fungal growth on vegetables and improper food storage. The findings have prompted Karnataka's Food Safety and Drug Administration Department to initiate legal proceedings against establishments where violations were detected.

The inspection drive was conducted across Bengaluru Urban district to ensure that even high-end hospitality establishments comply with food safety regulations. Karnataka Health Minister UT Khader said the exercise was aimed at enforcing food safety norms across the hospitality sector, including three-star and five-star properties. Officials said the inspections covered all Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) zones.

The department deployed 30 teams of Food Safety Officers to inspect 26 hotels as part of the operation. During the inspections, officials collected 35 food samples for laboratory testing. The samples included chicken, mutton, fish, edible oil, milk, spices, tea powder, cheese, tomato sauce, lemon juice and other food products. Authorities said further action would depend on the laboratory test results.

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Officials reported several alleged violations at the inspected establishments, including unhygienic kitchen and storage areas, expired food products, fungal growth on vegetables and improper food handling. Other concerns included misbranded food products, violations of Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) labelling requirements and inadequate segregation of vegetarian and non-vegetarian food items.

Following the inspections, Food Safety officials issued notices to the concerned food business operators. The department also seized and destroyed quantities of food that it deemed expired or unsafe for consumption, including chicken, meat, fish, vegetables, milk and bakery products. Legal proceedings are expected to follow in cases where violations are established under applicable food safety regulations.

The Food Safety and Drug Administration Department has directed food business operators across the city to comply strictly with the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and related regulations. Officials warned that stringent action would be taken against establishments where violations are confirmed, underscoring the department's focus on maintaining hygiene and food safety standards across Bengaluru's hospitality industry.

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