Bengaluru 5-Star Hotel Raids Reveal Food Safety Violations: Rotten Meat, Expired Milk and More

August 8, 2026

Bengaluru: Surprise food safety inspections at several five-star hotels in Bengaluru have uncovered a series of violations, including expired milk, rotten meat, vegetables showing fungal growth and unhygienic food storage practices.

The inspections were carried out as part of a special food safety drive launched by the Karnataka Health and Family Welfare Department following complaints from the public about unhygienic practices and the quality of food being served at eateries.

30 Special Teams Conduct Surprise Inspections

The Karnataka Health and Family Welfare Department formed 30 special teams to conduct inspections across Bengaluru. Officials from the Food Safety and Drug Administration Department carried out surprise checks at star hotels, restaurants, roadside eateries and other food businesses.

The inspection drive covered all Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) zones and focused on compliance with the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the regulations framed under it.

The inspections covered 26 hotels, including The Lalit Ashok, Shangri-La Bengaluru, Four Seasons Hotel, Vivanta Bengaluru Whitefield, Taj Yeshwantpur and Radisson Blu (The Atria).

Officials found several food safety violations during the checks, including expired food products, fungal growth on vegetables, unhygienic kitchens and storage areas, improper food handling practices and misbranded food products.

The inspections also found violations of Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) labelling requirements and instances where vegetarian and non-vegetarian food items were not stored separately.

105 Kg Expired Food Destroyed at Radisson Blu

The largest recovery was reported at Radisson Blu (The Atria), where officials seized and destroyed 105 kg of expired food articles.

The stock included 50 kg of chicken, 25 kg of meat, 23 kg of fish and 7 kg of vegetables.

Officials also collected food samples during the inspections for laboratory testing. A total of 35 food samples were collected as part of the inspection drive.

Following the inspections, food safety officials issued notices to the concerned Food Business Operators. Further proceedings will be initiated against establishments where violations are confirmed.

Karnataka Steps Up Food Safety Checks

The inspection drive was launched on the directions of Karnataka Health and Family Welfare Minister UT Khader after the department received multiple complaints from the public, including complaints shared on social media, alleging unhygienic practices and the sale of substandard food.

The inspections are aimed at ensuring that food businesses, including high-end hotels, comply with prescribed food safety and hygiene standards.

Officials said establishments found violating food safety norms could face action under the applicable laws. The department is also expected to extend inspections to other food establishments as part of the wider food safety enforcement drive.