Karnataka FDA Raids 64 Bengaluru PGs, Seizes Expired Food, Seals Dining Area
Karnataka FDA inspected 64 PGs in Bengaluru, issuing notices to 23 for violations including expired food, synthetic colours, and hygiene lapses.
The Karnataka Food Safety and Drug Administration (FDA) has conducted a special inspection drive across 64 paying guest (PG) accommodations in and around Bengaluru, acting on complaints about poor food quality and hygiene standards.
During the inspections, officials issued violation notices to 23 PGs. Seized items included expired curd, rice flour, bisibele bath powder, synthetic food colour, black pepper, and other misbranded food products.
At one facility, Nandana Elite PG in Bommasandra, inspectors found bed bug powder placed on a dining table alongside food. The dining area was subsequently sealed due to the serious hygiene violations.
As part of the drive, the food regulator also collected 12 food samples from various PGs for laboratory testing to check for safety and quality compliance.
The action is part of a broader crackdown by the Karnataka health department over the past two months, which has seen raids on hotels, restaurants, quick commerce dark stores, and manufacturing units. Last week, the department ordered the suspension of food licences for e-commerce platforms Amazon, Instamart, and BigBasket over the online sale of toxic datura fruits and seeds.
In a related development, state health minister UT Khader recently met with representatives of the Karnataka State Hotels Association and leading hotel owners to reiterate the importance of maintaining food hygiene and quality standards.