Introduction

In response to complaints from people throughout the state who claimed to have become sick after eating “unhygienic” shawarma, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), Karnataka has begun to crack down on restaurants serving the meal. This measure follows the department’s recent decision to outlaw artificial colouring in Manchurian and kebabs.

Ten districts—including those under Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), Bengaluru Urban District, Tumkuru, Mysuru, Hubballi, Mangaluru, and Ballari—were chosen by health officials to provide samples of shawarma.

The Analysis

Only nine of the seventeen samples, according to additional examination, were suitable for consumption. The residual samples exhibited indications of bacteria and yeast. As a result of improper cooking methods or extended meat preservation in restaurants.

“Based on the lab reports, we have initiated action under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the Food Safety and Standards (Food Products, Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011, against the hotels and restaurants where Shawarma was prepared under unhygienic conditions,” Stated by an official health department directive.

Customers are urged by the government to buy shawarma only from restaurants that hold an Indian Food Safety and Standards Authority (FSSAI) licence.

All restaurants also need to have a licence, register their outlets under the FSSAI Act, and make shawarma with fresh meat every day. Restaurants that disregard these regulations face harsh penalties, the government has warned.

Bottom Line

The state administration declared a statewide prohibition on the use of artificial colouring in fish dishes and chicken kebabs. This choice was made after quality checks showed that the items’ artificial colouring had degraded.

Penalties for breaking this ban are severe. It involves imprisonment for a minimum of seven years and a maximum term of life. It comes with a 10 lakh rupee fine as well. Food outlet licenses may also be revoked for offenders.

Source: TOI