PTC Web Desk: Bengaluru’s ongoing food safety inspection drive has uncovered violations at an unexpected location, the canteen operating inside the Karnataka Health Department headquarters.

Officials from the Food Safety and Drug Administration Department inspected the canteen at Arogya Soudha, where the Health Department is headquartered. The inspection found expired food products, poor hygiene and shortcomings in food storage and pest-control practices.

According to the inspection report, some food items had already crossed their expiry dates. The expired products included idli rava and coconut powder.

Officials also found that food products were not being stored as required under food safety regulations.

Poor hygiene and storage practices found

The inspection team reported that the canteen was not being maintained in proper hygienic conditions.

Officials also noted that the required pest-control measures had not been undertaken. The findings raised concerns over food handling and storage practices at a facility located within the state’s own Health Department headquarters.

The inspection is part of Karnataka’s wider enforcement campaign targeting food establishments across Bengaluru.

Hotels, restaurants, canteens and other food businesses are being checked for compliance with food safety standards, including food quality, storage, labelling and hygiene.

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The department also conducted a special inspection at three Indira Canteen kitchens in Bengaluru Urban district on Tuesday. The kitchens inspected were located in Gottigere, Lingarajapuram and Singasandra.

The inspections were conducted under the guidance of Health and Family Welfare Minister UT Khader. Officials checked food quality, storage conditions, labelling and food-handling practices at the establishments. Several violations were reported during the inspections. These included improper labelling, misbranding and unhygienic conditions while handling food.

Notices were subsequently issued to the food business operators of all three establishments. Officials have also recommended further legal action wherever required.

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Gottigere Indira Canteen warehouse sealed

The inspection team also took action at the Gottigere Indira Canteen warehouse. The facility was sealed after officials found unhygienic conditions related to food handling and storage.

Indira Canteens are a major subsidised food programme introduced by the Congress government during former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s earlier tenure. The programme provides affordable meals to people in the state.

60 hotels inspected in Bengaluru

The latest inspections are part of a larger food safety enforcement operation being carried out across Bengaluru Urban district and the Greater Bengaluru Area.

As part of the drive, officials have also inspected a number of three-star and five-star hotels and other food establishments.

Officials said 60 three-star and five-star hotels were inspected, while 77 food samples were collected and sent for laboratory testing.

The department has warned that establishments found violating food safety regulations will face legal action.