Acting on the directions of Karnataka Health and Family Welfare Minister UT Khader, the Karnataka Department of Health and Family Welfare on Friday launched a statewide inspection drive to check food quality and hygiene standards at hotels, restaurants and other food establishments across Bengaluru and other major locations in the state. The move follows numerous public complaints, including those shared on social media, alleging unhygienic practices and the sale of substandard food.
Food Safety Officer Srinivas said the department decided to intensify inspections after receiving repeated complaints about violations of food safety norms at restaurants, hotels and other food outlets. Thirty special teams, comprising officials from the Food Safety and Drug Administration Department, have been constituted to carry out surprise inspections at star hotels, roadside eateries, restaurants and other high-footfall food businesses across Karnataka.
Minister Khader said, "After hearing complaints about food quality, we have decided to take strict action. Thirty teams have been formed, and they will raid hotels and check food safety standards."
The inspection teams will verify whether food establishments are using expired ingredients, maintaining proper kitchen hygiene, storing food under prescribed conditions and complying with food safety regulations. They will also check for the use of banned artificial colours and chemicals, improper food handling practices and violations of food labelling norms.
The crackdown comes amid growing public concern over food safety in Karnataka after several viral videos and social media posts alleged unhygienic kitchen conditions, poor food handling and the use of artificial colours in popular dishes such as gobi manchurian and kebabs. Officials said these complaints prompted the department to step up enforcement.
A similar campaign, titled "Operation Eat Right", was launched by the state government last year following reports of food poisoning and the use of artificial colours in food products. The drive resulted in inspections, notices being issued to violators and penalties for non-compliance with food safety standards.
Officials said regular inspections have become increasingly important as Bengaluru witnesses rapid growth in cloud kitchens, pubs, restaurants and late-night food delivery services. The department aims to ensure compliance with the Food Safety and Standards Act and safeguard public health.
Warning of stringent action against violators, Minister Khader said establishments found flouting food safety norms could face licence suspension, legal action and FIRs in serious cases. "People have the right to safe and quality food. We will not compromise on public health. Those who violate the rules will not be spared," he said.
The inspection drive will continue over the coming weeks before being extended to colleges, hostels and catering services across Karnataka. The department has also urged citizens to report food safety violations through the FSSAI helpline and the state's grievance portal to strengthen monitoring and enforcement.
