Karnataka food businesses get 15 days to fix hygiene violations

Karnataka food businesses have been given 15 days to correct food-safety and hygiene violations identified during a special inspection drive across the State.

The Food Safety and Drug Administration Department’s August 20 advisory says Food Safety Officers will return for inspections after the deadline. Businesses that fail to fix deficiencies, or continue violations, could face legal action under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

For Bengaluru’s restaurants, bakeries, caterers and other food operators, the checklist includes a valid FSSAI licence or registration, safe food handling and the immediate segregation and disposal of expired or unfit products. Operators must check batch numbers and manufacture and expiry dates when buying supplies, and store perishables such as milk, meat, eggs and prepared food at prescribed temperatures.

Kitchens, storage spaces and food-contact surfaces must be kept clean and maintained, while businesses are required to prevent pests such as insects, rodents and cockroaches from entering preparation and storage areas. Food handlers must wear clean clothing, head covers and aprons, and maintain hand hygiene.

The department has also asked operators to keep records on procurement, temperature control, cleaning, pest control and staff training for inspection.