Expired Items, Bed Bug Powder Beside Food: Raids At 64 Bengaluru PGs

The Karnataka Food Safety and Drug Administration conducted inspections at 64 paying guest accommodations in and around Bengaluru, issuing notices to 23 facilities for various infractions. Among the seized items were expired curd, improperly labeled rice flour, bisibele bath powder, synthetic food colors, black pepper, and other misbranded food products.

At one establishment, Nandana Elite PG in Bommasandra, inspectors discovered bed bug powder placed on a dining table near food, leading to the sealing of the dining area due to severe hygiene lapses.

The crackdown was prompted by public complaints about substandard food and unsanitary conditions in PG accommodations. Authorities collected 12 food samples from various PGs for laboratory testing. This intensified enforcement follows a broader inspection campaign across Karnataka in the past two months, targeting hotels, restaurants, e-commerce dark stores, and manufacturing facilities. The campaign uncovered multiple food safety violations and shortcomings.

Last week, the Karnataka health department suspended food licenses of e-commerce platforms Amazon, Instamart, and BigBasket after discovering poisonous datura fruits and seeds listed for human consumption online. The department emphasized that consuming datura poses a serious threat to human health. In response, the state government convened a high-level meeting with representatives from the Karnataka State Hotels Association and prominent hotel operators.

Health Minister UT Khader stressed the importance of maintaining proper food hygiene and meeting quality standards for establishments.