Chairman's Club Kitchen in Sahakaranagar Sealed Over Expired Chillies, Hygiene Lapses

Food safety officials have shut down and sealed the kitchen of Chairman's Club in Sahakaranagar, Bengaluru, following an inspection on September 3 that revealed highly unhygienic conditions and led to the seizure of 40 kilograms of expired chillies.

The enforcement drive was carried out by the Food Safety wing of the Department of Food Safety and Drug Administration, acting on directions issued by Health Minister UT Khader. According to department officials, major violations of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Rules, 2011, were identified during the checks at the premises, which falls under the Greater Bengaluru Authority.

Inspectors found 40 kilograms of expired chillies stocked for use in food preparation. Personnel also found improper labelling on five kilograms of breadcrumbs and two kilograms of Sajeera food products, violating standards set by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). Non-compliant food items were seized on the spot.

The inspection team recorded severely unhygienic conditions across the club's food preparation and storage zones. The eatery had failed to maintain basic food handling protocols, including storing vegetarian and non-vegetarian food products together. Authorities also detected the storage and use of unauthorized or prohibited artificial colours in food products.

"During the inspection, the kitchen was found to be maintained under unhygienic conditions. Expired food products were found and seized. In view of the serious deficiencies relating to food safety and hygiene, the club kitchen was closed," Srinivas K, Commissioner of the Food Safety and Drug Administration Department, said in an official statement.

Srinivas K added that further legal proceedings have been initiated against the establishment under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the associated 2011 Rules. The Department of Food Safety and Drug Administration stated that it will conduct continuous inspections and pursue stringent legal action against food businesses found breaching hygiene and safety regulations.