The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has declared chicken kebabs sold at several Empire Restaurant outlets in Bengaluru as “unsafe for consumption,” sparking public concern over food safety across the city.
The announcement follows a fire incident at the Gandhi Nagar outlet and a comprehensive food safety inspection by FSSAI. Samples of chicken kebabs collected on June 26 from six locations—Shivajinagar, Malleswaram, Mahadevapura, Gandhi Nagar, Bommanahalli, and Hebbal—were tested at the State Food Laboratory under the Public Health Institute. Test results confirmed that the products failed to meet safety standards outlined in the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, specifically Rule 2.4.1(iii) of the 2011 regulations.
In response, the Gandhi Nagar outlet was flagged, and an official notice was issued by FSSAI, granting Empire Restaurants a 30-day window to respond. Should the restaurant chain contest the findings, they may request a re-test at CFTRI, Mysuru, at their own cost. Failure to respond within the timeframe could result in legal action under FSSAI provisions.
Given Empire’s widespread popularity and loyal customer base, the declaration has raised alarm among Bengaluru residents. Many now question the hygiene and food handling practices of the long-standing restaurant chain. Empire’s management has the right to challenge the findings, but must bear the full cost and responsibility for any secondary testing. Meanwhile, the FSSAI has reiterated its commitment to public health and warned all food establishments to strictly adhere to safety norms.