Fungus-covered vegetables and spoiled items found in Bengaluru hotels

In Brief

1. Rotten meat and fungus-covered vegetables found in Bengaluru star hotels.
2. Inspection spanned 26 hotels, revealing multiple food safety violations.
3. Expired milk and bakery items were among the violations.

Findings put Bengaluru’s 3-star and 5-star hotels under scrutiny.

Food Safety and Drug Administration Department, Food Safety Wing with 30 teams of Food Safety Officers conducted a special drive on 3-star and 5-star hotels in Bengaluru to verify compliance with the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011.

These included rotten meat, fungus on vegetables, expired milk, and bakery items unfit for consumption. Officials highlighted the seriousness of these violations, which pose health risks to consumers and undermine public confidence in hotel standards. The inspections aimed to ensure compliance with food safety regulations and protect public health. Authorities have indicated that corrective measures and penalties will be considered against hotels found non-compliant. Major hotels in the radar of FDA are:

1. The Lalit Ashok (Annex South): Expired milk, spoiled meat and fungus spread vegetables.
2. Shangri-La Bengaluru: Spoiled meat seized.
3. Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru: Meat seized.
4. Vivanta Bengaluru Whitefield: Expired bakery products.
5. Taj Yeshwantpur: Meat/fish seized.
6. The Radisson Blu (The Atrium): Expired food articles

The findings have sparked calls for stricter monitoring and better enforcement of hygiene standards in the city’s hospitality sector.

This incident underscores the importance of vigilant food safety inspections, especially in reputed establishments, to maintain consumer trust and safety.