Karnataka gives food business operators 15 days to set right safety deficiencies

Mangalore Today News Network

Bengaluru, Aug 26, 2026: The Karnataka Food Safety and Drug Administration Department (FDA) has given Food Business Operators (FBOs) 15 days to rectify deficiencies related to food safety, cleanliness and hygiene identified during a recent special inspection drive.

In an advisory, the department directed FBOs to ensure they have valid FSSAI licences or registrations and comply with all applicable food safety regulations. Operators have also been instructed to use only safe and wholesome food and immediately segregate and dispose of expired, spoiled or contaminated food products.

The advisory outlined requirements for maintaining clean kitchens and premises, properly cleaning and sanitising food-contact surfaces and equipment, preventing pest infestations and maintaining prescribed temperatures for perishable items such as milk, meat, eggs and prepared food. Refrigerators, freezers and other temperature-control equipment must also be kept in proper working condition.

Food handlers have been instructed to maintain personal hygiene, wear clean protective clothing and wash their hands properly and frequently while handling food. The advisory also stresses the use of safe water and ice, proper labelling of packaged food products and appropriate disposal of food waste.

Food handlers must also undergo necessary food-safety training and health examinations as prescribed.

The department directed FBOs to cooperate with Food Safety Officers during inspections and rectify all deficiencies within the stipulated 15-day period.

After 15 days, the concerned Food Safety Officers will conduct re-inspections. If deficiencies remain unrectified or violations continue, legal action will be initiated under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the rules and regulations framed under it, the department said.