Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru/New Delhi

Bengaluru/New Delhi, Aug 18: Food safety enforcement has been intensified across Karnataka, with inspections conducted at 1,849 hotels and restaurants and more than 2,400 food samples collected and sent for laboratory testing, health minister U T Khader said, as the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) separately said six food companies had taken corrective action following notices for violations of food safety laws.

The Food Safety Wing of the Food Safety and Drug Administration Department has launched special enforcement measures across Karnataka to ensure food hygiene and safety, Khader said.

“Inspections were conducted at 629 hotels across the state serving communities from backward classes. During these inspections, 1,860 food samples were collected and sent for laboratory testing. Inspections were also carried out at 331 hotels operating under the Social Welfare Department, from where 556 food samples were collected and sent for testing,” he said.

“Inspections were conducted at 889 food outlets and establishments located at 186 bus stands. Notices were issued to 206 establishments where unhygienic conditions were found, while a total fine of Rs 55,000 was imposed on the spot,” the minister said.

The statewide operation began a day after food safety officials conducted a surprise inspection at a global fast-food outlet in Mangaluru following a consumer complaint that chicken ordered online was spoiled and had a foul smell.

Officials inspected the outlet’s kitchen, storage room and refrigeration units and sealed its warehouse. Food samples were collected and sent to a laboratory for testing.

Further legal and administrative action will be decided after the laboratory reports are received. A raid was also conducted in Mysuru, where further investigation is under way.

Meanwhile, the national food regulator FSSAI said six companies had taken corrective action, including withdrawing misleading labels and trademarks, following notices issued to them for violations of the law.

In a social media post, the FSSAI said six Food Business Operators (FBOs) had taken prompt corrective measures after receiving notices from the regulator.

The actions included withdrawal of misleading labels and trademarks, the regulator said, following its crackdown on violations of food safety laws.