Citizen-led food safety watch teams will be formed at at taluk level in Karnataka, says Health Minister

Minister for Health and Family Welfare U.T. Khader, who launched an “Eat Right” campaign to promote healthy eating habits among citizens on Monday, stated citizen-led food safety watch teams will be formed at the taluk level across the State, to act as force multipliers to ensure food safety.

“These teams will include senior citizens, former food safety office-holders and experienced chefs. An ID card will be issued to them so that they can go and inspect the places. If violations are found, they can report to the head office and actions will be taken. The guidelines for these watch teams will be framed and issued soon,” Mr. Khader said.

“Every citizen has the right to eat clean food. Accordingly, all stakeholders must work towards providing clean and hygienic food. Meanwhile, citizens must also be aware of what they consume in hotels,” the Minister stated.

10 days time for PGs

“Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA) teams have till now inspected hotels, hostels, dhabas, anganwadis. We will take this inspection forward to places where food is served to people. We will inspect paying guest accommodations too. Young college going students and working women stay in these PGs. When unhygienic food is served to them, they fall sick. They will fall sick and are forced to go back to their homes,” Mr. Khader said.

He provided 10 days for PGs and other places that provide food to rectify their mistakes and follow food safety norms, following which they will be penalised for violations. “Private college hostels, catering centres will be part of this inspection. Food samples from hotels in railway stations, airports and airplanes will be collected for lab analysis over the next few days,” he said.

The Minister additionally said that the department will shortly hold a meeting with the owners of star hotels. “These hotel owners are not our enemies. They have contributed to the economy of the state and country. During the meeting, they can provide us suggestions and we will examine whether to include them or not,” he said.

Food safety conclave

The Minister additionally announced that the Health and Family Welfare Department will shortly organise a food safety conclave with Union government food safety office-holders and counterparts from other states. “The conclave will discuss, debate and recommendations will be framed around various food safety and standards of consuming meat, chocolates imported from other countries,” he said.

QR code

The Karnataka administration also rolled out a QR code-based complaint management system for citizens to report drug and food safety violations. Mr. Khader, who launched it, stated reports flagged on violations will be followed up by officials. He said a toll-free number and a dedicated call centre would additionally be set up soon.