Safety not on the platter: Bengaluru’s food safety checks expose gaps, from star hotels to quick-commerce warehouses

The article details recent food safety inspections conducted by the Karnataka Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA) in Bengaluru, covering a wide range of establishments from luxury hotels and international fast-food chains to government canteens and quick-commerce warehouses. The inspections revealed significant lapses, including expired food, rotten produce, mislabelling, poor hygiene, and improper disposal of used cooking oil. The findings challenged public assumptions about food safety standards in high-end establishments. The article highlights the role of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and its initiatives like Repurpose Used Cooking Oil (RUCO), along with the health consequences of food safety lapses, such as food-borne infections and long-term organ damage. It emphasizes the need for consistent enforcement and industry compliance to ensure public health.