Mangaluru (Karnataka), Karnataka Minister U T Khader on Sunday said authorities have launched statewide inspections of commercial eateries after serious hygiene and food safety violations were found at some outlets.
Addressing reporters during a surprise inspection of fast-food outlets in Mangaluru, Khader stressed that public health and food safety cannot be compromised.
“We have initiated statewide searches and thorough inspections across food outlets following grave concerns over unhygienic conditions and compromised food quality,” the state health minister said.
Strict legal action and heavy penalties will be imposed on establishments that fail to meet mandatory food safety standards, he said.
According to officials, the inspections, conducted by regional food safety officers, are focused on kitchen sanitation, storage facilities, ingredient freshness and compliance with regulations under the Food Safety and Standards Act.
Samples collected from several outlets during the drive have been sent for laboratory testing, with further legal proceedings to follow based on the test reports.
In one of the outlets, officials found chicken that had allegedly been stored in the cold room for up to eight months, they added.
