Expired meat, filthy kitchens: FSSAI raids expose rot at 10 Bengaluru elite clubs

Severe food safety violations, including unhygienic food handling, expired meat and food products without proper labels or expiry dates, were found at 10 upscale clubs in Bengaluru during the latest round of inspections by food safety authorities.The inspections by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) were carried out at several prominent clubs, including the Bowring Club, Century Club, Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) Club and Mahalakshmi Layout Club.During the inspections, food safety officials detected several violations, including expired meat and other food products at some of the clubs, officials said.Following the inspections, notices were issued to at least two establishments for food safety lapses. At the canteen of the Chinnaswamy Stadium Club, officials found expired fish, while a stock of toor dal (pigeon pea) did not carry a date indicating when it had been packed or stored. Officials also found poor hygiene and cleanliness conditions in the kitchen.The canteen was subsequently served a notice over the violations. The presence of expired food products is a serious food safety concern, as consumption of such items can pose health risks. A notice was also issued to the canteen at Mahalakshmi Layout Club after officials found lapses in kitchen cleanliness. The establishment was pulled up for failing to maintain the required hygiene standards in its food preparation area.The inspections come amid increased scrutiny of food safety practices at restaurants, clubs and other establishments across Bengaluru, particularly those serving food to large numbers of customers.In a series of recent food safety raids at at least five star hotels, clubs and restaurants, authorities found large quantities of rotten meat, expired food products, unhygienic and cockroach-infested kitchens, among other violations. Several establishments were issued notices, while some were ordered to shut down.During a recent three-day special drive, food safety officials inspected 60 hotels across Bengaluru and collected 77 food samples. Officials seized 640 kg of meat and 276 kg of rotten vegetables, among other expired and unsafe food products.The crackdown then expanded to premium restaurants and pubs. At Skyye Lounge in UB City, officials found 45 kg of rotten chicken and beef, including fungus-infested meat, along with 6 kg of vegetable cutlets and 15 litres of used cooking oil. The lounge's kitchen was shut over unhygienic conditions. Across several establishments, a total of 132 kg of food articles was seized or discarded during the inspections.Earlier inspections at 26 three-star and five-star hotels had also revealed expired milk, rotten vegetables, improperly stored meat and other food safety violations. Officials found concerns over labelling, storage, segregation of vegetarian and non-vegetarian food and general hygiene. Notices were issued to the establishments.- EndsPublished On: Aug 26, 2026 07:10 IST