Karnataka Expands Food Safety Inspections to PGs, Hostels and Flights

BENGALURU — Food safety inspections across Karnataka will now expand to cover paying guest (PG) accommodations, private hostels, bus stops, marriage halls, railway canteens, and food served on flights, Health Minister UT Khader announced in Bengaluru on Monday.

Speaking to reporters after felicitating food safety officers and staff members, the minister issued a stern warning to operators of residential facilities and commercial kitchens across the state. He emphasised that establishments caught serving substandard food would face strict action without leniency.

"Run PG centres properly. If a PG centre is caught serving poor quality food, there will be no forgiveness," Khader said, confirming that private hostels are also being brought under the department's active monitoring drive.

To enforce standards, 30 dedicated teams have been established across the state. These teams have already inspected more than 60 three-star and five-star hotels, eight warehouses, and four international restaurants. Notices have been issued to 30 food business operators for violations, with formal inquiries underway. Of the 60 hotels served with notices, 15 have submitted their responses to the department.

The statewide monitoring drive has also covered 629 Backward Classes hostels and 331 Social Welfare Department hostels, resulting in 2,416 food samples being sent for laboratory analysis. Additionally, officials inspected 603 anganwadi centres and collected 549 samples for testing.

Enforcement teams inspected 99 dhabas, collecting Rs 3.67 lakh in fines. They also examined 236 e-commerce food warehouses, initiating proceedings against 44 facilities and collecting Rs 1.97 lakh in fines from eight establishments found operating under unhygienic conditions.

Following consumer complaints regarding unhygienic practices and the use of artificial colours, authorities tested 41 shawarma samples and 21 kebab samples. Laboratory tests revealed that nine shawarma samples and one kebab sample were unsafe for consumption.

During the event, Khader launched a new QR-code system allowing citizens to submit complaints and information regarding food and medicine quality. Raising concerns over disparities in the quality and taste of branded products sold internationally compared to India, he called for stronger central regulations and announced plans for Karnataka to organise an international food safety conclave.