Notices Issued to Five Medical College Hostel Canteens Over Expired Food

Bengaluru, Aug 29: Food safety authorities in Karnataka have issued notices to five canteens and kitchens operating in medical college hostels after inspections uncovered multiple violations, including expired food products and improper labelling.

Officials inspected 34 hostel canteens and kitchens at government and private medical colleges across the state on August 27 as part of a food safety drive.

The inspections identified deficiencies at five establishments, prompting authorities to issue notices to the concerned operators.

At one of the inspected kitchens, officials detected violations related to the labelling of food products. They also found and seized seven kilograms of expired rava (semolina) and eight litres of milk that had been stored on the premises.

The health department said action was being initiated against the concerned food business operator under provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act and applicable rules.

A case has been registered in connection with the violations, with further proceedings to be conducted before the competent authority.

Officials said the operator would be presented before the Additional District Magistrate, who is functioning as the Adjudicating Officer in the matter.

The inspections are part of efforts by food safety authorities to ensure that kitchens serving students in medical college hostels comply with prescribed standards for food storage, labelling and handling.

Authorities have also emphasised the importance of maintaining proper food quality and preventing the use of expired ingredients in institutional kitchens, where meals are prepared and served to large numbers of students.

The latest action underscores the need for regular monitoring of hostel food facilities and strict adherence to food safety regulations to protect students from potential health risks arising from substandard or improperly stored food.