FDA finds violations in Zepto warehouse, Indira Canteen kitchens in Bengaluru

BENGALURU: After star hotels, the Food Safety and Drug Administration (FDA) Tuesday sealed a Zepto warehouse operated by Nippon Express in Hoskote taluk of Bengaluru Rural district, after officials found unhygienic food handling and storage conditions during a special inspection.

Officials found non-compliant labelling, misbranding, unhygienic food handling and storage conditions in Zepto warehouse operated by Nippon Express in Hoskote

The inspection was carried out by FDA’s food safety division to check the quality, safety, storage, labelling and food handling practices at the warehouse. Officials found non-compliant labelling, misbranding, unhygienic food handling and storage conditions, besides other violations of Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) requirements.

Following the findings, the warehouse was sealed under applicable FSSAI provisions. A notice was issued to the Zepto warehouse concerned and the department has recommended that a case be filed before the adjudicating officer for further legal action, said Srinivas K, commissioner of FDA.

A Zepto spokesperson said they have taken note of the observations and suggestions shared and are taking the necessary steps to address them.

’s central kitchen sealed

Meanwhile, officials also sealed an Indira Canteen central kitchen at Gottigere after finding unhygienic food handling and storage conditions during a separate inspection drive at three Indira Canteen food preparation units.

The team inspected the main kitchens/food preparation units at Gottigere, Lingarajapuram and Singasandra, where officials found violations, including non-compliant labelling, misbranding and unhygienic food handling conditions. Notices were issued to the operators of all three establishments and cases have been recommended before the respective adjudicating officers.

Officials also collected samples of pulses, turmeric powder, cooking oil, jaggery, salt, sugar and other prepared food items for laboratory analysis to assess their quality and compliance with food safety standards.

The action comes amid an intensified food safety drive in Bengaluru over the past few days. FDA has inspected star hotels, food establishments and facilities supplying food to them, with officials finding expired and rotten meat, fish, vegetables and dairy products, besides poor hygiene and improper storage.

FDA said that strict legal action would be taken against food business operators found violating food safety regulations and that such special inspections would continue to ensure safe, wholesome and hygienic food is supplied to the public.

Source: The Times of India