Bengaluru, Aug 2026: The Karnataka Food Safety and Drug Administration Commissioner has directed food business operators across the state to strictly comply with food safety, hygiene and sanitation standards, giving them 15 days to rectify deficiencies identified during recent inspections.
The department issued the advisory on Tuesday following a special inspection drive across Karnataka, during which officials observed several instances of non-compliance involving food safety, cleanliness and hygiene. Businesses will be re-inspected after the 15-day compliance period.
Officials warned that establishments failing to address the identified shortcomings or continuing to violate food safety regulations could face legal action under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the rules and regulations framed under it.
The department said strict adherence to the guidelines was essential to protect public health and ensure that consumers receive safe, hygienic and good-quality food.
As part of the advisory, food businesses have been instructed to possess valid FSSAI licences or registrations and comply with all applicable food safety requirements. They must ensure that only safe, wholesome and fit-for-consumption food is prepared, stored and served or sold to customers.
Businesses have also been directed to procure raw materials from reliable and approved sources and maintain appropriate storage conditions. Food products must be stored at prescribed temperatures, while batch numbers, manufacturing dates and expiry dates must be checked regularly.
Expired, damaged or otherwise unfit food products must be immediately separated from usable stock and disposed of properly to ensure that they are not accidentally sold or used in food preparation.
The department has placed particular emphasis on maintaining cleanliness across kitchens and food premises. Floors, walls, windows, ceilings and storage areas must be kept clean, while food-contact surfaces such as utensils, knives, cutting boards, counters and other equipment must be regularly cleaned and sanitised.
Food businesses have also been asked to implement effective pest-control measures. Temperature-sensitive products, including milk, meat, eggs and prepared food, must be stored under appropriate temperature conditions. Refrigerators, freezers and other temperature-control equipment must remain functional and be properly maintained.
The advisory also lays down requirements concerning the personal hygiene of food handlers. Employees handling food must wear clean clothing and appropriate protective equipment, including head covers and aprons where required. They must wash their hands thoroughly before handling food and whenever necessary during food preparation.
Safe water must be used for cooking, food processing and drinking. The department has also directed businesses to ensure that ice used in food and beverages is made from safe and quality water.
Packaged food products must carry all mandatory labelling information and must not contain misleading claims, declarations or displays that could mislead consumers.
Waste management is another key area covered by the advisory. Food waste must be collected in covered bins and disposed of appropriately. Businesses must ensure that waste does not accumulate near food preparation, storage or serving areas.
The department has further instructed food establishments to provide necessary training to food handlers on food safety, personal hygiene, sanitation and safe food-handling practices.
Businesses are required to maintain records relating to procurement, storage, temperature monitoring, cleaning, sanitation, pest control and employee training. These records must be produced before Food Safety Officers whenever required during inspections.
The department has also directed food business operators to cooperate fully with officials during inspections and provide all necessary documents, records and information.
The 15-day compliance window is intended to give businesses an opportunity to correct deficiencies before enforcement action is considered. Officials said continued violations after the deadline could attract action under the applicable food safety laws.
