BENGALURU: Food safety officials have issued notices to five canteens and kitchens operating in medical college hostels in Karnataka after inspections found several violations, including expired food items and labelling irregularities, officials said on Saturday.The action followed inspections of 34 canteens and kitchens operating in hostels of government and private medical colleges across the state on August 27, news agency PTI reported.According to the health department, deficiencies were found at five establishments, following which notices were issued to the concerned food business operators.During one of the inspections, officials detected violations related to the labelling of food products.They also found 7kg of expired rava (semolina) and eight litres of milk stored in a kitchen. The items were seized by the officials, PTI reported.The health department said legal action was being initiated against the concerned food business operator under applicable provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act and Rules.The operator will be produced before the competent authority, the additional district magistrate, who is also the adjudicating officer, for further proceedings, officials said.The inspections were part of food safety checks at medical college hostels, where canteens and kitchens cater to students and other residents.The latest action comes amid increased scrutiny by food safety authorities in Karnataka over violations at establishments serving food.In recent inspections, food safety officials have also flagged violations at several other establishments in Bengaluru and across the state, including clubs and food businesses.(With agency inputs)
