Bengaluru food safety drive: Shawarma, kebab, milk samples fail quality checks
The Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA) has conducted extensive inspections across Karnataka over the past two weeks, covering not only eateries but also government canteens, hostels, anganwadi centres, and e-commerce warehouses. Data released by the Department of Health and Family Welfare on Monday (August 17) revealed that several food samples, including shawarma, kebab, and milk products, were found unsafe or substandard.
Officials inspected 629 hostels under the Backward Classes Welfare Department and 331 hostels under the Social Welfare Department. A total of 1,860 and 556 food samples were collected from these hostels, respectively, for laboratory analysis. Additionally, 603 anganwadi centres were inspected, with 549 food samples collected for testing.
Responding to complaints about unhygienic practices and the use of artificial colours in the preparation of shawarma and kebabs, the FSDA conducted targeted inspections at hotels and restaurants. Approximately 41 shawarma samples and 21 kebab samples were collected. Of these, nine shawarma samples and one kebab sample were reported as unsafe. Officials stated that legal action is being initiated against the respective hotels. Furthermore, 12 food samples have been submitted to the laboratory for analysis specifically related to the use of artificial colours.
The inspection drive also led to the seizure of various food items across different establishments. Notable seizures included 378 kg of mutton and chicken that were mislabelled or lacked expiry dates, 51 kg of meat past its expiry date, 203 kg of fish with excessively long expiry dates, 200 kg of vegetarian food stored alongside non-vegetarian items, 76 kg of rotten or mouldy vegetables, 45 litres of milk and curd beyond expiry, 12 kg of bakery products past expiry, 67 kg of cereals and other items mislabelled or expired, and 49 litres of used cooking oil that was no longer suitable for cooking.
In the e-commerce sector, at least 236 warehouses of food businesses were inspected during the two-week period. The FSDA has initiated proceedings to file cases before the Court of the Additional District Magistrate against 44 warehouses for violations of the Food Safety and Standards Act and Rules. Additionally, fines totalling ₹1,97,000 were imposed on eight warehouses where unhygienic conditions were observed.
The department also constituted five inspection teams to check roadside dhabas, covering areas from Nelamangala to Haveri. A total of 99 dhabas were inspected, and penalties amounting to ₹3.67 lakh were levied for violations of food safety norms.
In a coordinated effort, officers inspected food establishments in Bengaluru Urban, Chamarajanagar, and Mysuru to collect statutory samples of milk and milk products entering Karnataka from Tamil Nadu. A total of 25 milk and milk product samples were collected and submitted for laboratory analysis. Out of these, one sample was found to be substandard.
Separately, 60 three-star and five-star hotels, eight warehouses, and four international restaurants located in Bengaluru were inspected. Notices were issued to 30 establishments for compliance-related issues.
The FSDA's continued surveillance underscores its commitment to enforcing food safety standards across the state, ensuring that consumers are protected from potential health hazards. Further actions, including legal proceedings and follow-up inspections, are expected as laboratory results for additional samples become available.
