Published Aug 10, 2026 | 2:09 PM ⚊ Updated Aug 10, 2026 | 2:09 PM
Boxes with different food items. (iStock)
Synopsis: The latest raids on 10 prominent restaurants in Bengaluru, as part of a wider crackdown on eateries functioning under unhygienic conditions and serving contaminated food, have led to the discovery of rotten meat, reused oil, fungi-infested vegetables and more.
The Food Safety Wing of Karnataka’s Food Safety and Drug Administration Department continued surprise raids at Bengaluru’s prominent hotels and restaurants, uncovering major hygiene and food safety violations.
The latest raids, conducted on August 9, covered 10 prominent eateries including those in UB City, Brigade Road, MG Road and Indiranagar.
Officials seized and destroyed a total of 132 kg of food articles declared unfit for consumption from the restaurants. They also confiscated 15 litres of reused cooking oil during the coordinated inspections.
The kitchen of Skyye Lounge on the 16th floor of UB City was sealed after officials found unhygienic conditions, including 45 kg of rotten chicken and beef covered with fungus. Another 6 kg of vegetable cutlets and 15 litres of used cooking oil were also seized from the establishment.
At Royal Chain Hotel, officials destroyed 55 kg of meat, including 50 kg of duck and 5 kg of fish.
Madras Kitchen was found storing 5 kg of expired green peas, while Tescon Hotel had 5 kg of mushrooms that were deemed unfit.
At Senchez Hotel, officials seized 10 kg of food items, including fish, cake, potatoes and tacos.
The raids on Sunday followed a series of inspections at 26 hotels, which led to similar discovery of unhygienic handling of food items, rotten meat, expired food items, fungal growth on vegetables, improper labelling among several other violations.
As many as 35 food samples were collected for testing during the raids, including tea powder, chicken, mutton, fish, edible oil, chilli powder, turmeric powder, tomato sauce, lemon juice, cheese, papad, spices and milk.
Following the raids and the discovery of unhygienic conditions, notices have been served to the owners, and action will be initiated under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, including the potential suspension of their licences.
The raids were conducted during the holiday rush as part of a wider inspection drive by the Karnataka Health and Welfare Department at the direction of Minister UT Khader. The action followed several complaints received by the department, including those shared on social media, regarding substandard food being served at eateries in the city.
(Edited by Fayisa CA)
