State food safety officials inspected 112 establishments across 36 Karnataka railway stations, uncovering violations including banned food colors and expired dairy products. Legal action has been initiated against non-compliant vendors. The move signals a broader drive to tighten hygiene standards for food sold at public transit hubs.
The Karnataka Food Safety and Drug Administration has launched a strict enforcement drive following widespread inspections at 36 railway stations across the state. In an effort to address hygiene concerns, officials examined 112 food establishments, including platform stalls, canteens, and local eateries operating within railway premises. The findings have highlighted serious gaps in food safety compliance.
Findings on Hygiene and Food Quality
The inspection uncovered multiple violations that pose health risks to commuters. Officials reported the use of non-permitted food colors in various items, specifically noting yellow coloring in jalebis and pink coloring in khoa peda. Beyond the use of unapproved additives, inspectors identified expired dairy products, including milk and curd packets, being stored for sale. Other concerning discoveries included the use of unsuitable plastic materials in food preparation and the presence of fungal growth on vegetables, such as onions, indicating poor storage practices.
While the pantry services on Vande Bharat trains were found to be maintained in a clean condition, the food items served on board remained under scrutiny. Officials have flagged concerns regarding the potential use of prohibited colors in these meals as well, and these findings will be communicated to the railway authorities for further review.
Regulatory Action and Operational Impact
The food safety department is moving forward with legal action against the identified non-compliant food business operators. This enforcement underscores the risk for vendors operating within public transit zones, as recurring hygiene issues could lead to contract terminations, heavy penalties, and permanent blacklisting by railway authorities. For passengers, the event highlights the ongoing challenges in monitoring the quality of food sold by third-party contractors in high-traffic transit areas.
The next step for authorities will be the formal processing of legal notices and the implementation of mandatory compliance audits for all food stalls at these stations. Investors and industry observers will be monitoring whether this drive leads to a broader, more frequent system of surprise checks across other state transit hubs, which could force vendors to invest more in quality control and supply chain management.