Significant Update

Food safety officials have warned consumers to be cautious about snacks served at bars after inspections in Mysuru revealed several unlabelled and misbranded food items. During a raid conducted on Monday, officials found snack packets being served without mandatory details such as manufacturing and expiry dates.

The inspection drive covered bars and food establishments in Dattagalli, Kuvempunagar, Saraswathipuram, Urs Road, Kothwal Ramaiah Street, and nearby areas. Dr S.L. Ravindra, Designated Officer of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), led the operation.

Officials Issue Notices for Violations

The team inspected 15 food establishments, including nine street food outlets. Officials issued notices to four roadside vendors and five bars and restaurants for various food safety violations. According to officials, some bars served snack packets that lacked essential labelling information required under food safety regulations.

Suspected Artificially Coloured Foods Seized

During the inspections, officials also seized khara mixture, batani (green peas), and other snack items from roadside vendors on suspicion that they contained banned artificial food colours. The team collected food samples for laboratory testing and will take further action based on the results.

Officials collected eight food samples during the inspection drive, including four for microbiological analysis and three for chemical analysis. They also seized highly coloured khara mixture, green peas, and other snack items from two locations. In total, the team confiscated 43.5 kg of suspected food products worth ₹4,160, according to Dr S.L. Ravindra.

Separate District-Wide Inspection Conducted

In a parallel enforcement drive outside Mysuru city limits, a team led by Dr Kantharaju A.N., Designated Officer, Food Safety and Drug Administration, Mysuru district, inspected 23 food businesses. The team issued notices to five firms for non-compliance with food safety requirements, reinforcing ongoing efforts to improve food safety standards across the district.

Source: The Times of India