Bengaluru Expands Food Safety Checks to PGs, Hotels, Dhabas

The Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) has announced an expansion of its food safety inspection drive, now targeting paying guest (PG) accommodations, hostels, hotels, and dhabas across Bengaluru. This comprehensive move follows a series of food safety violations uncovered during earlier checks.

How the Inspection Process Works

Each property slated for inspection will undergo an individual assessment, with any discovered violations meticulously documented. These findings are to be captured using geo-tagged photographs to ensure accuracy and accountability.

• Violations will be documented with geo-tagged photographs.
• A comprehensive property-wise report is expected within seven days of inspection completion.

Prior Findings Spark Broader Enforcement

The intensified enforcement campaign has already identified significant issues within various food establishments. Problems ranged from the presence of expired and spoiled food items to unhygienic kitchen conditions and other instances of non-compliance with regulations.

• Expired and spoiled food products were frequently found.
• Kitchens often operated under unhygienic conditions.
• Other forms of non-compliance were widespread.

For commercial food businesses specifically, the GBA inspections will focus on several critical areas to ensure public safety. This includes rigorous scrutiny of product expiry dates, overall hygiene, and adherence to proper food handling practices.

• Scrutiny of expired products and ingredient dates is a key focus.
• Assessment of general hygiene standards will be conducted.
• Review of food handling practices and regulatory adherence is mandatory.

PG Accommodations Under the Lens

The GBA has previously inspected PG accommodations due to concerns extending beyond just food, encompassing overall hygiene and safety. A report submitted to the Karnataka High Court in June highlighted significant regulatory breaches within these facilities.

• Inspections of 1,500 PG facilities were conducted in Bengaluru East.
• Widespread violations included issues with building compliance and zoning regulations.
• Fire safety equipment and necessary No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) were frequently absent.
• Inadequate CCTV infrastructure was also identified as a concern.

Food-related violations within these PG facilities were particularly troubling during the prior checks. These included kitchens operating under unhygienic conditions, often without proper FSSAI certification, and insufficient provision of safe drinking water for residents.

• Many kitchens were found to be unhygienic.
• Operations often lacked required FSSAI certification.
• Provision of safe drinking water was insufficient for residents.

The Scope of the Expanded Drive

The latest announcement from the GBA signals a comprehensive enforcement effort, targeting both residential accommodations and commercial food establishments. This broader approach aims to address multiple facets of public health and safety across the city.

• PG operators will face checks on licensing, fire safety, and sanitation.
• Ensuring adequate drinking water and resident safety are also key areas for PGs.
• Hotels, restaurants, and dhabas will primarily be scrutinized for unsafe food and poor hygiene.
• Improper storage and the presence of expired ingredients remain focal points for commercial establishments.