Health Dept Canteen Raided for Expired Food

In a recent surprise inspection on Wednesday, food safety officials from the Karnataka health department raided their own canteen located at their headquarters in Bengaluru. During the raid, expired food items, including rava idli and coconut powder, were discovered in the kitchen. Officials also noted violations related to Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) requirements and found that pest control measures had not been implemented, leading to unhygienic conditions.

This action is part of a broader enforcement campaign. Since August 7, the Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA) wing has inspected over 60 hotels, quick commerce company warehouses, and Indira canteen kitchens. The department also recently raided Hyperpure, a Zomato unit supplying high-end hotels, noting some mislabelling and missing manufacturer licence numbers on products, though the premises were generally clean.

Following these inspections, the FSDA issued a fresh advisory on Tuesday to all hotels, dhabas, and restaurants. The guidelines emphasize maintaining food storage temperatures, preventing cross-contamination between vegetarian and non-vegetarian food, responsible cooking oil reuse, and proper waste disposal. They also mandate clean customer and worker hygiene facilities, including free safe drinking water and well-maintained toilets.

Additional directives require food handlers to maintain personal hygiene, wear clean uniforms and protective gear, and possess valid medical fitness records. Effective pest control measures are to be implemented, with records maintained. The advisory also covers water safety, mandating the use of potable water for all food-related activities and regular testing. Safe transportation of food, including maintaining required temperatures, and addressing structural and electrical hazards in kitchens are also key components of the new regulations.