Bengaluru, August 30: The Food Safety Department has issued notices to five canteens at medical colleges in Karnataka for serving expired food items to students. During inspections conducted on August 27, officials discovered expired food products, including 7 kg of rava and 8 litres of milk, along with improperly labelled packages.
A total of 34 hostel canteens and kitchens across government and private medical colleges were inspected, leading to the seizure of expired food items. Legal action is being initiated under food safety laws against the responsible canteens.
The Health Department reported that these inspections were part of a broader effort to ensure compliance with food safety regulations, which are crucial for maintaining the health of over 15,000 students enrolled in the state’s 74 medical colleges.
The canteen operators will be summoned before the Additional District Magistrate (ADM) for further proceedings, as authorities emphasize the importance of adhering to food safety standards.
Food safety regulations mandate that all canteens must be registered with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and maintain cleanliness in food preparation areas. Regular checks and training for staff on hygiene practices are also essential to prevent foodborne illnesses.