Karnataka High Court flags growing expired food menace, calls for constant vigil

Karnataka's Health Department has turned its scrutiny inward, uncovering violations at its own canteen within its Bengaluru headquarters. During an inspection at the Arogya Soudha complex, officials discovered expired food items, unhygienic conditions, and improper storage and pest control practices. Among the expired products were idli rava and coconut powder, according to the findings. The inspection revealed that food items were not stored in compliance with Food Safety and Standards Authority of India guidelines, and necessary pest control measures were absent. This internal audit follows a broader campaign by the state’s Food Safety and Drug Administration Department to enforce stricter food safety standards across Bengaluru. The department has ramped up inspections targeting hotels, restaurants, and canteens, aiming to curb violations and protect public health. The recent focus on internal operations highlights a shift toward accountability, even within governmental institutions responsible for enforcing food safety laws. On Tuesday, the department extended its efforts to inspect three Indira Canteen kitchens located in different parts of Bengaluru Urban district, Gottigere, Lingarajapuram, and Singasandra. These inspections were supervised by Health and Family Welfare Minister UT Khader, who directed officials to evaluate food quality, storage, labeling, and handling procedures. Violations identified included non-compliant labeling, misbranding, and unsanitary food preparation environments. As a result, notices were issued to the operators of all three canteens, and legal action was recommended. At the Gottigere location, the warehouse of the Indira Canteen was sealed due to poor hygiene and storage conditions. Indira Canteens operate as a subsidized meal program initiated by the Congress government during the tenure of former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. This initiative aimed to provide affordable meals to the public, underscoring the state’s commitment to accessible nutrition. However, the recent inspections reveal that even such programs are not immune to lapses in food safety. The ongoing enforcement drive includes inspections of high-end establishments, with 60 three-star and five-star hotels recently examined. During these operations, 77 food samples were collected for laboratory analysis. Officials have stated that legal action will be pursued against entities found to be in violation of food safety regulations. The department has emphasized that these special inspections will continue, reinforcing its dedication to maintaining food safety standards. Meanwhile, the Karnataka High Court has expressed concern over the rising prevalence of expired food in the hospitality sector. In a recent ruling, Justice M. Nagaprasanna highlighted that repeated incidents of expired food being stocked and sold by hotels and eateries indicate a deeper issue within the industry. He warned that such practices reflect a troubling trend where the pursuit of profit often takes precedence over consumer welfare. The court noted that customers entrust restaurants with the assurance that their meals are safe and healthy, expecting that they can enjoy their food without having to scrutinize each ingredient or label. It stressed that this trust should not be undermined by negligence or deliberate misconduct. The judiciary called for more frequent and rigorous inspections, emphasizing the need for strict enforcement and swift consequences for violators. As the state continues its aggressive approach to food safety, the recent actions by the Health Department and the High Court underscore a collective effort to address systemic issues. With increased oversight and legal repercussions, there is hope that the hospitality industry will see improved adherence to safety protocols, ensuring that both public health and consumer trust are protected.