Banned colours, expired dairy products found in food establishments at 36 Karnataka railway stations

A food safety inspection across 36 railway stations in Karnataka found suspected use of non-permitted colours in sweets, expired dairy products, unhygienic food preparation and fungal growth in vegetables, the Food Safety and Drug Administration department said on Thursday.

The department inspected 112 food establishments, including railway pantries, railway hotels and food served on trains. The checks covered stations in Bengaluru, Mysuru, Mangaluru, Hubballi, Ballari, Haveri, Udupi, Kolar and other districts.

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Officials found suspected use of non-permitted colours in Jalebi and Khova Peda. Yellow colour was detected in Jalebi, while pink colour was found in Khova Peda, according to the department.

Expired curd and standardised milk packets were also found at a railway station in Haveri district.

At KR Puram Railway Station, the inspection team found unhygienic conditions at a hotel. At Mysuru Railway Station, officials found idlis being prepared using plastic material and expired food items in the kitchen.

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The inspection teams also found fungal growth on onions and other vegetables. Chutney was stored in plastic buckets that were not suitable for food storage.

The department said the Vande Bharat trains operating between Mangaluru and Kerala and between Hubballi and Bengaluru were found to be clean. However, the teams reported suspected use of non-permitted colours in food products.

"The railway authorities and designated officers concerned will be informed regarding the violations observed, and further legal action will be initiated against the food business operators who have violated the prescribed food safety requirements," the statement said.