Bengaluru: The state’s food safety & drug administration department found that one in three establishments it inspected recently didn’t have pest-control measures for rats and cockroaches.
Checks were conducted on 590 hotels and restaurants across the state on March 12. As many as 214 didn’t have pest-control measures in place, and a fine of Rs 1.1 lakh was collected from errant establishments.
No district-wise data was shared. Food safety and drug administration commissioner Srinivas K reiterated FSSAI’s pest-control guidelines: Establishments must maintain cleanliness in food handling areas, equipment, and surrounding areas, and store food and packaging materials in appropriate areas, protected from dust, condensation, drains, waste, and other sources of contamination. “Additionally, they must ensure food and condiments are covered and stored properly in sealed containers. Keep floors clean and free of food remnants, especially overnight. Store the refuse in covered, pest-proof containers and clear them regularly. Remove potential pest harbourages like old, unused equipment, burrows, and undergrowth. Regularly examine establishments and surrounding areas for evidence of infestation,” he added.
Furthermore, for pest monitoring, establishments are expected to have programmes with detectors and/or traps in key locations. Food handlers are expected to maintain personal cleanliness and hygiene, and be trained to have the necessary knowledge and skills to handle food safely, including pest-control measures.
Considering cool food is the flavour of the season, officials also cracked down on local production of these products last Wednesday and Thursday. As many as 131 ice cream factories, 40 candy units, and 49 local soft drinks makers were inspected, and 220 samples collected. Srinivas said the samples are still under analysis.