Bengaluru
oi-Madhuri Adnal
Karnataka Health Minister U T Khader has questioned Bengaluru’s elite clubs over their focus on dress codes while food safety violations were found in their kitchens.
“Paying attention to what guests wear is fine, but the kitchen deserves the same attention,” was the message from Khader after Food Safety and Drug Administration (FDA) officials found several lapses during inspections of prominent clubs in the city.
Karnataka Health Minister U T Khader questioned elite Bengaluru clubs’ kitchen hygiene after FDA inspections found cockroach infestations, expired food, and labelling violations at places like Century Club and Catholic Club, resulting in notices and sample testing.
The inspections covered Century Club, Catholic Club, Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), Karnataka State Lawn Tennis Association (KSLTA), Vijayanagar Club, Mahalakshmi Layout Club, Malleshwaram Club and Bowring Club.
Officials found cockroach infestation, unhygienic conditions, expired food and labelling-related violations. Notices have been issued to the clubs concerned, while drinking water and cooking oil samples were collected and sent for laboratory testing.
Private clubs often have strict rules on what members and guests can wear, with some checking footwear and clothing at the entrance.
Khader questioned whether the same level of scrutiny is being applied to the kitchens serving food to those members and guests.
His comments came after the inspections brought several problems to light, including pest infestation and expired food products.
Cockroaches Found At Three Clubs
Cockroach infestation was reported at Century Club, Catholic Club and Malleshwaram Club during the inspections.
The presence of pests in kitchens and food storage areas can lead to contamination of food and surfaces, making pest control an important part of maintaining hygiene.
At Catholic Club, officials found 10 packets of expired mushrooms. The finding was among the more specific violations recorded during the inspections and raised concerns over the way perishable ingredients were being checked and stored.
Food Labelling Violations Reported
Officials also found violations related to food labelling at Vijayanagar Club, Mahalakshmi Layout Club and Malleshwaram Club.
Proper labelling is required to help identify food products and ensure they are stored and handled correctly.
At the Karnataka State Lawn Tennis Association, medical certificates for food-handling staff were not available during the inspection. The checks also identified sanitation, cleanliness and labelling-related issues at some establishments.
The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) was also among the clubs inspected by the FDA. Following the inspection, KSCA management said it had taken the observations seriously and instructed its caterers to make the required improvements immediately.
Water And Cooking Oil Samples Sent For Testing
FDA officials also collected samples of drinking water and cooking oil from the clubs.
The samples have been sent to a government laboratory to determine whether they meet the required safety and quality standards. The test results could influence further action by the authorities.
Notices Issued Over Violations
Khader said notices had been issued to the clubs where violations were found.
The establishments will have to respond to the observations and take corrective steps. Further action could follow depending on the nature of the violations, compliance and laboratory results.
The minister also urged clubs to offer healthier food to their members. His comments put the spotlight not just on kitchen cleanliness but also on the quality of food being served at establishments that have their own dining facilities.
Meeting With Hotel And Restaurant Bodies In 15 Days
Khader said the government will hold a meeting in the next 15 days with representatives of hotel and restaurant associations, officials associated with Indira Canteens and contractors.
Food safety concerns across the sector are expected to be discussed during the meeting.
Khader also raised concerns over coordination between state and central authorities while speaking about food safety enforcement.
He referred to an incident involving e-commerce platforms that were allegedly selling Datura fruits and seeds.
According to Khader, the FDA had instructed the designated FSSAI officer in Bengaluru to suspend the relevant licences. However, the action was not taken within 24 hours, following which a show-cause notice was issued to the official.
The minister said better coordination was needed between central and state authorities and that Karnataka had asked the Centre to depute cooperative officials.
