Food Manifest 
Key Update
Food safety authorities have intensified inspections across Bengaluru, turning their attention to quick-commerce warehouses, food delivery facilities and public kitchens amid concerns over hygiene, storage, labelling and food quality. On Wednesday, the Karnataka Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA) Department inspected the Hyperpure by Zomato facility on Bannerghatta Road. Officials examined food products at the warehouse, although the department has not yet released its findings.
Zepto Warehouse Sealed Over Violations
The Zomato inspection came a day after FSDA officials sealed a Zepto warehouse in Hoskote, Bengaluru Rural, following an inspection that reportedly uncovered severely unhygienic conditions. Officials found organic waste, discarded wrappers and bottles, accumulated filth on the floor and empty cardboard boxes at the facility. They also flagged non-compliant labelling, misbranding, unhygienic food handling and storage conditions, along with other violations of FSSAI requirements. The department sealed the warehouse, issued a notice and recommended filing a case against the operators. Zepto said it cooperated with the authorities during the inspection, took note of their observations and suggestions, and was taking steps to strengthen its food safety and hygiene practices.
Indira Canteen Kitchens Also Inspected
FSDA teams also inspected the main kitchens or food preparation units of Indira Canteens at Gottigere, Lingarajapuram and Singasandra in Bengaluru. Officials reportedly found food safety violations at the three establishments. They issued notices to the respective food business operators and recommended filing cases. Authorities also sealed the Indira Canteen warehouse at Gottigere over alleged unhygienic food-handling and storage conditions.
Food Samples Sent for Laboratory Testing
During the inspections, officials collected samples of pulses, turmeric powder, cooking oil, jaggery, salt, sugar and prepared food items, among other products. The authorities have sent the samples to designated food laboratories to assess their quality and compliance with prescribed food safety standards.
Wider Food Safety Action Underway
The latest inspections form part of a wider food safety enforcement drive in Bengaluru. Authorities have recently inspected several hotels and restaurants, while the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration suspended the food licence of a Blinkit facility in Mumbai after officials reportedly found unhygienic conditions and cockroach infestation. The Karnataka FSDA has warned that it will take strict legal action against food business operators who violate food safety regulations and continue special inspection drives to ensure consumers have access to safe, quality and hygienic food.
Source: NDTV
