Bengaluru: The Karnataka Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA) has directed all food business operators in the state to rectify food safety, cleanliness and hygiene deficiencies within 15 days, warning that reinspection will follow and legal action may be initiated if violations persist.
The direction follows a special inspection drive across Karnataka that found non-compliance relating to food safety, cleanliness and hygiene at various food establishments, according to an advisory issued by the Office of the Commissioner, Food Safety and Drug Administration.
All food business operators must possess a valid FSSAI licence or registration and comply with the applicable food safety rules. The advisory states that only safe and wholesome food fit for human consumption may be prepared, stored and sold. Expired, spoiled, rotten, contaminated or doubtful-quality products must not be used and should be segregated and disposed of immediately.
Businesses have also been instructed to procure raw materials from reliable sources, verify batch and expiry details and store products at appropriate temperatures in food-safe containers. Kitchens, storage areas, food-contact surfaces, utensils and equipment must be kept clean and sanitised, while damaged infrastructure must be repaired.
The administration has ordered establishments to implement effective pest-control measures and ensure that refrigerators, deep freezers and other temperature-control equipment function properly. Food handlers must maintain personal hygiene, use clean clothing, head covers, aprons and necessary protective equipment, and wash their hands properly.
Water and ice used for food preparation, beverages or drinking must meet prescribed quality standards. Packaged food must carry mandatory labels, and businesses have been warned against using information or claims that could mislead consumers.
Food waste must be stored in covered bins and disposed of properly. Operators must train food handlers, conduct required health examinations and maintain records relating to procurement, storage, temperature control, cleaning, pest control and staff training.
During inspections, operators must provide records and information to authorised officers and cooperate fully. Deficiencies identified during the special drive, along with any other food safety and hygiene shortcomings, must be corrected within 15 days from the advisory’s issuance on August 20.
After the deadline, Food Safety Officers will reinspect the establishments. If deficiencies remain or violations continue, the authorities may initiate action under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the rules and regulations framed under it.
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