Overview

Rats have infested the Indira Canteen Master Kitchen at Alanahalli Circle in Mysuru, karnataka which supplies food to six Indira Canteens as part of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s initiative for affordable meals. Media reports show that, despite the kitchen being generally well-maintained, at least 10 rats moved between the idli stand, exhaust ducts, and stove. However, the kitchen continued to send food to canteens at Alanahalli, Dr Rajkumar Road, CADA office, Silk Factory Circle, Sewage Farm Road in Vidyaranyapuram, and Azeez Sait Double Road.

Rat Infestation Sparks Health Concerns

Ajay Kumar, a regular customer at the Alanahalli canteen, expressed alarm at the rat presence. “I wonder if the food I’ve been eating here is safe. What if the rats fall into the food?” he asked. The tender holder, Mahesh, acknowledged that the rat issue existed before their contract began. He mentioned that his team had informed the Mysore City Corporation (MCC) about the need for repairs to prevent rodent entry, such as fixing leaks and repairing the exhaust fan duct. “The rats only come out when no one is around. We keep lids closed, and no one has filed a complaint,” he said, adding that approximately 1,000 people dine daily at these canteens.

Action Assured After Rat Infestation

Mysuru Deputy Commissioner G. Lakshmikanth Reddy expressed shock upon hearing about the infestation and assured immediate action. MCC Chief Health Officer N. P. Venkatesh confirmed that repairs were underway to resolve the issue. Dr S. L. Ravindra, an FSSAI-designated officer under MCC’s health department, pointed out the health risks, noting that rat contamination could lead to diseases like leptospirosis. He assured that the kitchen would undergo a thorough inspection.

Following the Deccan Herald report on November 10, Dr Ravindra inspected the Alanahalli Circle kitchen the following day and issued a 14-day notice to the tender holder to address hygiene and structural deficiencies. During the inspection, he found multiple rat entry points, poor waste management, and a faulty exhaust system. Dr Ravindra informed MCC Commissioner Asad Ur Rehman Sharief and MCC Health Officer Dr N. P. Venkatesh about the necessary repairs to seal entry points and clear an underground drain blockage outside the kitchen.

Food Samples Collected

Dr. Ravindra collected samples of water, rice, and dal from the kitchen for testing and reported his findings to the FSSAI Food Safety Commissioner. He also assigned three food safety officers to inspect all 12 Indira Canteens and another master kitchen on Kumbarkoppal Road, which supplies food to additional canteens across Mysuru.

Source: Deccan Herald