Karnataka has intensified its statewide food safety enforcement drive, with inspections conducted at 1,849 establishments and more than 2,400 food samples sent for laboratory testing, Health Minister UT Khader said.
The Food Safety Division of the Department of Food Safety and Drugs Administration inspected 629 hotels serving Backward Classes communities, collecting 1,860 samples, while 331 Social Welfare Department hotels were inspected and 556 samples sent for testing.
Inspections were also carried out at 889 food establishments across 186 bus stations. Notices were issued to 206 establishments over unhygienic conditions, with ₹55,000 in spot fines.
The intensified drive follows a complaint in Mangaluru involving allegedly spoiled chicken delivered from a fast-food outlet. Officials inspected the outlet, sealed its godown and collected samples for laboratory analysis.
The state has also expanded inspections to hotels, hostels, PG accommodations, marriage halls, railway canteens and other food-service establishments.
