Mysuru: Deputy Commissioner (DC)G. Lakshmikanth Reddy has instructed the officers to conduct surprise inspections to monitor the hygiene and quality of food prepared at hotels, restaurants and roadside fast food joints in city.

Chairing the meeting of District-level Advisory Committee under Food Safety and Standards Act 2006, at the Deputy Commissioner’s Office meeting hall, here recently, Reddy said it is the collective responsibility of everyone to ensure the availability of quality and safe food. The Food Safety and Standards Department Officers should work on these lines, he said.

The complaints related to unhygienic environ is not just restricted to roadside canteens, but have also come to notice at five-star hotels. Chemicals are being used to ripen fruits and artificial colours to prepare the food. Such complaints should be addressed and the samples should be collected and sent to laboratory for test, he suggested.

Those found guilty should be imposed fine upon first violation, followed by stringent action by shutting down such hotels and shops, in case of repeat violations, said DC Reddy.

Dr. S.L. Ravindra, Designated Officer of Food Safety and Standards in MCC jurisdiction, said a complaint has been lodged against a merchant at APMC yard for selling artificially coloured green peas, along with imposing fine. While an adulterated oil racket was busted by raiding the illegal activity. Public can file complaints on Food Safety Connect App, he  said.

Inspections have been already carried out at Dattagalli, Chamaraja Mohalla, near JSS Hospital, Siddarthanagar, Ramakrishnanagar, Lalitha Mahal Road, Lashkar Mohalla, Sayyaji Rao Road, Nelson Mandela Road, Ashoka Road, Pulikeshi Road, JLB Road, Ramavilas Road, Narayana Shastry Road, Gandhi Square, Harsha Road, Gokulam, V.V. Mohalla and Kuvempunagar.

In all, 113 roadside vendors were inspected and notices issued to 49 for lack of hygiene, said Dr. Ravindra.

Additional SP C. Mallick, Mysuru District Statistical Officer Dr. Kantharaju and officers of other departments were present.