Cockroaches Found in Bengaluru Legislators' Hostel Restaurant, Officials Issue Notices

Officials discovered cockroaches in the kitchen of a restaurant operating within Legislators’ House, an area adjacent to Bengaluru’s Vidhana Soudha. The discovery occurred during a food safety inspection on August 12. The Karnataka Health Department’s Food Safety Division also found expired food items, including idli rava and coconut powder, in the kitchen of the Arogya Soudha canteen on Magadi Road. These products were not stored according to FSSAI guidelines, and pest control measures had been neglected, leading to an unhygienic environment.

In response to the findings, the Food Safety and Drug Administration department issued advisory notices for the unhygienic conditions observed. The department stated that legal proceedings would be initiated before the Adjudicating Officer. Separately, a Nandini parlour within the premises received an advisory notice for labelling requirement violations. Four hotels located on government building grounds were also inspected, with advisory notices issued for various observed deficiencies.

One hotel situated within the MS Building premises was found to be unhygienic and was subsequently closed. The operator has submitted an undertaking to rectify deficiencies and will only reopen after securing permission from the Commissioner, adhering to the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Legal action is also pending against this operator.

The department has instructed all food business operators to strictly adhere to the Food Safety and Standards Act and its associated regulations. Violations concerning food quality, safety, hygiene, storage, labelling, or handling practices will result in stringent legal action.