Food samples sold by street vendors in Bengaluru found to be unsafe

BENGALURU: Chemicals in food colouring agents, which are used in gobi manchurian and kababs has already been banned in the state. Despite this, street-side hotels and bakeries in Bengaluru have been found to be using substandard ingredients.

In the last three months, 1,585 food samples and 451 legal food samples were collected in Bengaluru and sent for analysis. Of these, 24 varieties of food samples have been found to be substandard, according to laboratory reports.

Shockingly, 12 food samples have been found to be unsafe, and the Bengaluru district deputy commissioner has taken cognizance of the report. To prevent food adulteration, the deputy commissioner has instructed taking legal action. The Food Safety and Standards Department is also initiating legal action to prevent food adulteration and ensure safety.

Jagadish G, Bengaluru Urban District Commissioner, has instructed officials to take disciplinary action against traders who do not maintain cleanliness.

“We are insisting that street vendors get licences and are sensitizing them by holding meetings. Cases related to substandard food items will be referred to the commissioner’s court which will look into it. Public health is very important. The court may punish the culprits or impose penalty. A total of Rs 12,00, 300 in penalties was collected in 37 cases. The first priority should be given to health and hygiene. FIRs will be registered against makers of unsafe foods and cases will be booked for using substandard items. Anyone who would like to venture into street business must get a licence”, he said,

He has also directed street food vendors not to reuse cooking oil repeatedly.