CH NEWS
BENGALURU
A special food safety inspection across Karnataka railway stations has uncovered several violations, including suspected use of non-permitted food colours, expired dairy products, unhygienic kitchens and improper food storage.
The inspection was conducted on Thursday to assess food quality, hygiene, storage, labelling and handling practices at hotels, railway pantries and food outlets operating on railway premises. Officials inspected 112 food establishments across 36 railway stations.
The stations covered included KSR Bengaluru, Yeshwanthpura, KR Puram, Yelahanka, Kolar, Mysuru, Haveri, Udupi, Hubballi and Mangaluru.
The inspection also covered food served aboard trains, including Vande Bharat Express services operating between Mangaluru and Kerala and between Hubballi and Bengaluru. Officials said these trains were being maintained in clean and hygienic conditions.
However, several violations were detected at railway food establishments. Inspectors found suspected use of non-permitted colours, including yellow colouring allegedly used in jalebis and pink colouring in khoa peda.
At a railway station in Haveri district, officials recovered expired Nandini curd and Dodla standardised milk packets. An inspection at a hotel inside KR Puram Railway Station revealed unhygienic conditions.
At Mysuru Railway Station, inspectors found idlis being prepared using plastic material. Expired food items were also recovered from the kitchen.
The inspection further revealed fungal growth on onions and other vegetables at some establishments. Chutney was found stored in plastic buckets unsuitable for food storage, raising additional concerns over hygiene and food safety.
Officials said the findings would be communicated to railway authorities and the concerned Designated Officers. Legal proceedings will be initiated against food business operators found violating prescribed food safety norms.
The drive is part of continuing efforts to strengthen food safety standards at railway stations and onboard catering services and ensure safer food for passengers.