Karnataka’s food safety authorities have stepped up inspections at hotels, restaurants, resorts and other food businesses across the state after officials found several alleged violations involving food storage, hygiene and expired products.
More than 1,000 kg of food items suspected to be unsafe have been seized during recent enforcement operations, according to reports. The inspections have uncovered expired meat, spoiled vegetables, fungal contamination and concerns over how food products were stored.
Mysuru Hotels Come Under Food Safety Scanner
Officials carried out inspections at several hotels and resorts in Mysuru and surrounding areas on August 15.
At Rio Meridian Hotel, officials reportedly seized 9 kg of chicken after finding that it had passed its expiry date.
Another 68 kg of meat was seized from the Grand Mercure Hotel, while officials confiscated 4 kg of mushrooms from Q Star Hotel.
Inspections at three resorts in Mysuru and Nanjangud taluks also resulted in notices being issued. Officials collected five food samples for laboratory examination and discarded around 16 kg of expired or perishable food.
Mangaluru KFC Inspected After Customer Complaint
The enforcement drive also reached a KFC outlet at City Centre on K.S. Rao Road in Mangaluru following a complaint from a customer.
The complaint reportedly concerned a Chicken Peri Peri Leg ordered online, with the customer alleging that the food tasted stale and was unsuitable for consumption.
Food safety officials inspected the outlet’s kitchen, storage areas, cold facilities, deep freezer and stocks of cooked and fried chicken. Samples were collected for laboratory testing, while the outlet’s godown was sealed as part of the inspection.
Officials also reportedly examined frozen chicken stocks after concerns were raised about older packing dates.
What Will Happen Next?
The authorities are expected to decide on further action after receiving the laboratory reports and completing their assessment of the establishments.
The inspections form part of a broader food safety enforcement campaign being conducted in Karnataka. Officials are checking establishments for issues such as:
- Expired food products
- Improper meat storage
- Poor kitchen hygiene
- Spoiled or contaminated food
- Incorrect storage conditions
- Food safety rule violations
The large quantity of food seized during the campaign has raised concerns about compliance with food safety regulations at commercial food establishments.
KFC India Responds To Inspection
KFC India, meanwhile, said that information circulating about the matter does not present the complete picture. The company said it remains committed to food safety and is cooperating with authorities.
In an official statement, KFC India said: “As a responsible brand, KFC is firmly committed to providing high levels of food safety, quality and hygiene. The information circulating doesn’t depict the true facts.”
The company said it sources chicken from reputed suppliers and follows FSSAI guidelines along with its own quality standards.
KFC India further stated: “The chicken we serve and store is as per norms and is prepared in-store every day, and each piece undergoes multiple stringent quality and safety checks from the suppliers’ farm to the consumers’ plate.”
The company added that it is cooperating with the authorities and reviewing the matter according to applicable legal and regulatory requirements.
Karnataka Food Safety Checks To Continue
The latest inspections show that food safety authorities are increasing scrutiny of commercial kitchens and food businesses across Karnataka.
For consumers, the inspections are particularly important because food that is expired, improperly stored or contaminated can pose serious food safety risks.
Authorities are expected to take further action against establishments where violations are confirmed after inspections and laboratory testing.
