Karnataka Food Safety Officials Issue Notices to Five Medical College Hostel Canteens

Food safety officials in Karnataka have issued notices to canteens and kitchens operating in five medical college hostels following inspections that revealed regulatory violations, according to official statements released on Saturday.

The inspections were conducted on August 27, covering a total of 34 canteens and kitchens located within the hostels of various government and private medical colleges across the state.

According to the health department, deficiencies were identified during the checks, leading to formal notices for five of the inspected establishments. Specific violations included labelling irregularities at one canteen, alongside the seizure of seven kilograms of expired rava (semolina) and eight litres of expired milk found stored in the kitchen.

Officials stated that necessary legal action is currently underway against the concerned food business operator. A case is being registered under the applicable provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act and Rules.

Following the procedural steps, the operator will be produced before the competent authority, the Additional District Magistrate, who is acting as the Adjudicating Officer for further legal proceedings.

"This enforcement action highlights the critical importance of stringent compliance and quality control in institutional food services. For operators managing large-scale institutional canteens, maintaining robust inventory management, proper labeling, and strict adherence to food safety standards is non-negotiable. Neglecting these protocols not only invites severe legal consequences under regulatory acts but also damages operational credibility. Institutional vendors must prioritize regular internal audits to ensure consumer safety and regulatory compliance at all times." — Dr. Shishir Gupta, Founder & CEO, StartupLanes