Fungal-affected vegetables, expired milk and other food products were among the violations detected at several three-star and five-star hotels in Bengaluru during a special food safety inspection drive, authorities said.

The Food Safety and Drug Administration Department inspected 26 hotels across the city on Friday, with 30 food safety teams carrying out checks across all zones under the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP). Officials identified multiple lapses involving food storage, hygiene, labelling and segregation of vegetarian and non-vegetarian items.

Food Safety Violations Found During Hotel Inspections

The inspections revealed unhygienic conditions in some hotel kitchens and food storage areas, along with expired food products and improper storage practices.

Officials also found vegetables and other food items affected by fungal growth. Expired milk and other dairy and bakery products were among the items found in storage, along with chicken, fish, meat and vegetables.

A video shared by news agency ANI showed staff at one hotel apologising before disposing of a tray containing baked goods in a garbage bin after officials identified the food safety issue.

Hotels Flagged for Storage and Labelling Lapses

Food safety officials also found instances where vegetarian and non-vegetarian food products were not stored separately, raising concerns over possible cross-contamination.

Several establishments were also found to have deficiencies in food labelling and cases of food misbranding. Authorities said some hotels had violated mandatory labelling requirements prescribed by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India.

The inspection drive covered hotels across Bengaluru’s different zones as authorities carried out a wider assessment of food safety practices at establishments serving large numbers of customers.

35 Food Samples Sent for Laboratory Testing

During the inspections, authorities collected 35 food samples and sent them to the Food Laboratory for analysis. The samples will be tested to determine whether the products meet prescribed food safety standards.

The samples included tea powder, chicken, mutton, fish, edible oil, chilli powder, turmeric powder, tomato sauce, lemon juice, cheese, papad, cashew nuts, ginger, pepper powder, spice powder and milk.

The inspection drive forms part of efforts by the Food Safety and Drug Administration Department to identify violations and ensure that hotels comply with food safety, storage and labelling requirements.

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