23 Bengaluru PGs served notices over food safety, hygiene violations

Expired food items were seized and notices were issued to 23 paying guest accommodations in Bengaluru after the Food Safety and Drug Administration department carried out a special inspection drive across the city on Friday, officials said.A total of 64 PGs were inspected during the drive, which was conducted on the directions of Health and Family Welfare Minister U T Khader, amid widespread complaints about poor-quality food and unhygienic conditions.Separately, the department also inspected the pantry of the cabinet hall at Vidhana Soudha during the Cabinet meeting on September 3.Officials said teams checked food preparation and storage practices under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, the Food Safety and Standards Rules, 2011, and the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011. In a statement, Food Safety and Drug Administration Commissioner Srinivas K said notices were issued to 23 PGs because of hygiene deficiencies and violations of food safety rules. He said 12 food samples were collected and sent for laboratory analysis to examine food quality and compliance with safety standards.According to the department, some PGs were found using expired curd, bisibele bath powder, rice flour, synthetic food colour, black pepper and misbranded mixture, and these items were seized under the law. "During the inspection of Nandana Elite PG, Bommasandra, Bed bugs powder was found kept on the dining table along with food articles. Further, unused/non-food-related materials were found stored in an area where drinking water facilities were provided, along with overall unhygienic conditions. In view of these violations, the dining area was sealed," the Commissioner said.The department said all PG owners and people handling food had been instructed to strictly follow food safety and hygiene rules. It directed that food items must be stored safely, quality raw materials must be used, proper hygiene must be maintained in kitchens and food preparation areas, and expired food items must not be used or distributed under any circumstances.It also warned that any violation of food safety regulations would invite legal action under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the related rules and regulations.On the Vidhana Soudha inspection, the department said the checks covered cleanliness, safe storage of food, food quality and inventory management. Teams checked that floors, shelves, corners and appliances were clean and free of dust, and ensured sinks and drainage systems were functioning properly without water leaks."Verified all items are clearly labelled with manufacturing and expiry dates and inspected for signs of pests, rodents, or droppings," the department said in its statement.- EndsPublished By: India Today Web Desk Published On: Sep 4, 2026 22:29 IST