BENGALURU: Karnataka has intensified food safety inspections across the state following a consumer complaint that a food delivery order from a fast-food outlet in Mangaluru contained spoiled and foul-smelling chicken. Officials inspected 1,849 establishments and collected more than 2,400 food samples for laboratory testing, according to news agency PTI.According to Karnataka Health Minister UT Khader, the Food Safety Division of the Department of Food Safety and Drugs Administration has undertaken special enforcement activities across the state to ensure food hygiene and safety.The statewide drive comes a day after food safety officials conducted a surprise inspection at a global fast-food outlet in Mangaluru following the customer complaint.Officials inspected the outlet’s kitchen, storeroom and cold storage facilities and sealed its godown. 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.The enforcement drive was subsequently expanded across Mysuru city, with further investigation underway.Khader said statewide inspections were also conducted at 629 hotels serving backward-class communities, during which 1,860 food samples were collected and submitted for laboratory analysis.“Statewide inspections were conducted at 629 hotels serving backwards-class communities, during which 1,860 food samples were collected and submitted for laboratory analysis,” Khader said.He added that inspections were also carried out at 331 hotels functioning under the Department of Social Welfare, from which 556 food samples were collected and sent for testing.“Inspections were conducted at 889 food establishments located at 186 bus stations. Notices were issued to 206 establishments where unhygienic conditions were found, and a total fine of Rs 55,000 was imposed on the spot,” the minister said.The state government said the enforcement measures were aimed at ensuring food hygiene and safety and preventing the sale of unsafe food to consumers.
