Karnataka to form citizen-led food safety watch teams at taluk level, says Health Minister

In a move to strengthen food safety enforcement across Karnataka, Health and Family Welfare Minister U.T. Khader on Monday announced the formation of citizen-led food safety watch teams at the taluk level. The initiative, part of the state's broader 'Eat Right' campaign, aims to involve citizens directly in monitoring food quality and hygiene in their localities.

The watch teams will comprise senior citizens, former food safety officials, and experienced chefs. Once formed, these volunteers will be issued identity cards allowing them to inspect food establishments. If violations are found, they can report to the state's food safety headquarters, where appropriate action will be taken. Minister Khader stated that guidelines for these teams are being framed and will be issued soon.

Addressing a gathering after launching the campaign, Mr. Khader emphasised that every citizen has the right to clean food and that all stakeholders must work collectively to ensure hygienic food is served across the state. He also urged citizens to be conscious of what they consume at hotels and food outlets.

The Minister also announced an expansion of inspection drives. While Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA) teams have already inspected hotels, hostels, dhabas, and anganwadis, the scope will now extend to paying guest accommodations. Many college students and working professionals, especially women, stay in PGs where unhygienic food can lead to illness. Mr. Khader noted that such instances disrupt their education and work, forcing them to return home.

PGs and other food-serving establishments have been given a 10-day window to correct any lapses and comply with food safety norms. After this period, strict penalties will be imposed for violations. The inspection net will also cover private college hostels and catering centres. Additionally, food samples from hotels at railway stations, airports, and airlines will be collected for laboratory analysis in the coming days.

In a conciliatory tone, the Minister said the department will hold a meeting with owners of star hotels. He clarified that they are not adversaries but contributors to the state and national economy. The meeting will provide these owners with an opportunity to offer suggestions, which the department will evaluate for potential inclusion in policy.

The Health Department also plans to organise a food safety conclave involving Union government officials and counterparts from other states. The conclave will focus on discussions and recommendations regarding food safety standards, including the consumption of meat and imported chocolates.

To make reporting easier for the public, the Karnataka government launched a QR code-based complaint management system. Citizens can use it to flag drug and food safety violations directly. Mr. Khader assured that all reports will be followed up by officials. A toll-free number and a dedicated call centre are also expected to be operationalised soon.

These steps reflect the government's commitment to safeguarding public health through proactive regulation and citizen participation. By involving local communities and leveraging technology, the state aims to create a culture of accountability in the food service industry.