Food Safety Raids Find Expired And Misbranded Items In 23 Bengaluru PGs

Food safety authorities have intensified inspections at paying guest accommodations across Bengaluru following repeated complaints about poor quality food and unhygienic conditions. In a major inspection drive, officials checked 64 PGs across Bengaluru city, Bengaluru Rural district and areas under the Greater Bengaluru Authority.

The operation was carried out by the Food Safety and Drugs Administration Department following directions from Health Minister UT Khader. Officials focused on how food was being prepared, stored and served to residents, along with the general cleanliness of kitchens and dining areas.

The inspection did not end with routine checks. Officials found several food products that had either crossed their expiry dates or did not meet proper labelling requirements. These findings have raised concerns about the food being served to people living in PG accommodations, where residents often depend on the facility for their daily meals.

Among the products reportedly found during the inspections were expired curd, Swastik bisibelebath powder, rice flour, synthetic food colour, black pepper and a misbranded food mixture. Authorities also examined whether the products had proper labels, manufacturing information and usage details as required under food safety rules.

The condition of the premises was another major focus of the operation. Officials inspected kitchens, food preparation areas, storage spaces and drinking water facilities to check whether food and other materials were being handled separately and safely.

A particularly serious issue was reported at Nandana Elite PG in Bommasandra. During the inspection, officials found powder used for pest control placed on a dining table along with food related items. Unwanted materials were also reportedly stored close to the drinking water area.

The inspection team considered the arrangement a serious lapse because materials unrelated to food should not be kept alongside food preparation or serving areas. Poor separation between food products and other substances can create avoidable food safety concerns.

Following the inspection, officials sealed the dining area of Nandana Elite PG. The action was taken in response to the sanitation and food safety issues identified during the visit.

The wider inspection drive resulted in notices being issued to 23 PG accommodations. Authorities said the notices were connected to deficiencies involving hygiene, food safety requirements and the quality or handling of food products.

The inspections come after growing public complaints about the standard of meals served at some PGs. For many students, employees and other residents staying in such accommodations, food provided by the facility forms an important part of their daily routine. As a result, cleanliness in kitchens and proper storage of ingredients are important issues.

Food safety officials have stressed that PG operators are responsible for maintaining proper standards while preparing and storing food. Ingredients must be kept under suitable conditions, expired products should not be used and food items should carry the required information on their labels.

The department has also been checking whether food preparation areas are clean and whether raw materials are being stored properly. These checks are intended to identify problems before they create wider concerns for residents.

The latest action also reflects the government’s stated intention to increase scrutiny of PG accommodations. UT Khader had indicated earlier that inspections would be carried out at PGs after concerns were raised about food quality and hygiene.

Officials are now expected to follow up on the violations identified during the latest inspections. PG operators receiving notices will need to address the shortcomings and comply with food safety requirements.

For residents, the inspections could provide some reassurance that complaints about food quality and hygiene are being taken seriously. At the same time, the findings show why regular monitoring is necessary, particularly at establishments serving food to large groups every day.

The department has made it clear that providing safe and quality food to people staying in PG accommodations is not optional. Proper hygiene, safe storage, suitable food handling and compliance with food safety rules are essential for every establishment involved in preparing meals for residents.

The latest Bengaluru inspections have therefore put the spotlight on an issue that directly affects thousands of people living away from their homes. With 64 PGs checked and 23 receiving notices, authorities have signalled that food safety violations in such establishments will face closer attention.