Karnataka Food Raids: Health Minister Khader Summons Clubs, Hotels & Canteens

Karnataka Health Minister UT Khader announced that a meeting will be convened within a week with various establishments, including hotels, clubs, and canteens, in response to multiple food safety violations found during recent inspections. The government plans to issue a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) and provide training for hoteliers, kitchen staff, and caterers aimed at enhancing food safety and hygiene.

Khader stated, “A meeting will be held within a week related to hoteliers, clubs, Indira canteens, and other places where many mishaps were found during the raids. We will also soon provide them with an SOP and have planned three days of training for hoteliers and kitchen staff, including caterers. We will closely monitor Indira canteens as well.”

The minister emphasized that food safety checks will persist across all establishments regardless of the clientele they serve. “We want to ensure that every section of society is monitored. Our goal is to show that we are concerned about the public’s health across all types of establishments,” he said.

During inspections at various clubs and establishments, Khader remarked, “We are considering all clubs, regardless of their clientele. Every individual has only one life and one body, so the issue impacts everyone. Awareness of food safety issues can prompt association members to ensure their kitchens maintain cleanliness and hygiene.”

The ongoing inspection drive will incorporate a new barcode system allowing the public to register complaints. Khader noted that food company Nestle has agreed to train over 1,000 street food vendors.

“This is a continuous effort, and our officers may conduct inspections at any time. Complaints will trigger responses from officers as we seek to address public concerns,” Khader explained.

On Tuesday, the Food Safety Division conducted a special inspection drive across various clubs in Bengaluru and the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) area, following instructions from Khader. The inspections revealed several violations, including unsanitary conditions, cockroach infestations in food storage, inadequate cleanliness, improper food storage practices, issues with food labeling, staff hygiene deficiencies, lack of medical certificates for food handlers, and expired food products.

Notices have been issued to all clubs where violations were found, and samples of suspicious drinking water and used cooking oil have been collected for analysis at the Government Food Laboratory. Legal action will follow based on the laboratory reports in accordance with the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, as stated by the Food Safety Commissionerate.

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