Karnataka food safety authorities conduct widespread raids and issue strict hygiene advisories

The Karnataka Food Safety and Drug Administration Department has launched an intensive crackdown on food hygiene violations across the state. During recent inspections in Bengaluru, officials seized over 132 kilograms of unfit food and 15 liters of used cooking oil. Notable enforcement actions included the sealing of a Zepto warehouse in Hoskote due to unhygienic storage, misbranding, and non-compliant labeling. Several luxury hotels and restaurants were also raided, resulting in the seizure of expired meat, vegetables, and dairy products.

In response to these findings, the department issued a strict advisory to hotels, restaurants, and catering units. The guidelines mandate specific temperature controls—such as keeping chilled food below 4°C and frozen items at -18°C—and require the immediate disposal of expired ingredients. The advisory also covers kitchen cleanliness, staff hygiene, and the prevention of cross-contamination between vegetarian and non-vegetarian items.

On a national level, the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) has introduced India’s first accreditation scheme for mobile food testing laboratories. This initiative aims to bring quality-assured testing services closer to local communities, strengthening food safety surveillance and enhancing consumer confidence through more accessible regulatory interventions.