Health inspectors of the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) on Wednesday fined multiple fast-food chains, including a McDonald’s outlet in Shantinagar, and other eateries located in prime localities on Wednesday. Other than fines for poor hygiene, BBMP officials are also carrying out raids at restaurants for using plastic, which has been banned since 2017.
Samrudh Veg in the upscale Cunningham Road was imposed a fine of Rs 10,000 for serving unhygienic food. According to officials, the vendor was storing rotten fruits, vegetables as well and even rodents were found in their kitchen.
McDonald’s was slapped a fine of Rs 25,000. Other establishments that were raided and fined include Hotel Crazy 4 Food in Jayanagar, Ganjananda Bar and Restaurant in Chamrajpet and Bowring Institute.
Tweeting about the same, BBMP Commissioner BH Anil Kumar said that he has asked health officers to carry out these surprise raids.
A #BBMP Health team fined a restaurant on Cunningham Road Rs.10,000 for serving unhygienic food, having an expired trade licence & for stocking rotten fruits & veggies. Rodents were also found here. Have asked officers to pay surprise visits to #Bengaluru restaurants. #BBMPCOMM pic.twitter.com/CJLUj4jAKG
— B.H.Anil Kumar,IAS (@BBMPCOMM) October 16, 2019
This is not the first time that the BBMP has taken action against restaurants and known names in the food industry.
Speaking to TNM, BBMP Chief Health Officer Vijayendra said that these raids are periodic and are carried out by the health department. “All medical officers and health inspectors across all eight zones of the city are authorised to carry out these raids. ON Wednesday, we raided six restaurants in the city,” he told TNM.
“Officers also fine them for violating the plastic ban. The fine amount varies according to the Karnataka Municipal Corporation Act and also based on the quantity of plastic seized as well,” says Vijayendra.
TNM had earlier reported how during enforcement drives carried out in May, the BBMP had cancelled the trade licenses of 15 dine-in and take-out restaurants in the city as the outlets were unhygienic and had dirty kitchens.
The outlets, which faced action then included Box 8, Andhra Ruchulu, Annan Mess, Ruh and Punjabi Nawabi.
In March, the BBMP had fined top brands like KFC, Cafe Coffee Day and others for using plastic for packaging.