Food safety and BBMP officials were on their toes on Tuesday after the Bangalore Mirror reported that the civic body was yet to apply and obtain mandatory food safety clearance for its 101 Indira canteens launched amid much fanfare last week. Food safety officials hurriedly convened a meeting with BBMP special commissioner Manoj Rajan to discuss the issue and the BBMP was asked to immediately apply for the mandatory registration and licence for its food outlets providing breakfast, lunch and dinner at affordable rates.
“We have already had a discussion with BBMP commissioner who is in New Delhi and instructions have been given to our four designated officers in-charge of Bengaluru to identify Indira canteens that fall under their limits and follow up and assist the civic body officials to complete the process,” said K Sreenivasa Gowda, Joint Commissioner, Food Safety.
Bangalore Mirror reported on Monday that the Indira Canteens had started operating in the city last week without obtaining Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) license mandatory for food business operators. The clearance from FSSAI was essential as it would empower the agency to inspect the quality of the food served at the canteens and also ensure minimum standards of hygiene was maintained on the premises. The state government has decided to open 198 Indira canteens, in all BBMP wards across Bengaluru.
“It is mandatory for all food operators to get themselves registered and also obtain license before they start serving food,”said a food safety department official.
The meeting was also attended by representatives of the two private caterers supplying food at canteens. According to officials, the civic agency is expected to start applying for the license in the coming days. Joint Director, food safety department Shivappa said that the BBMP officials have given assurance that the process will be completed at the earliest.
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