Bengaluru: The Karnataka government has issued a stern warning to shawarma makers following an extensive investigation that uncovered alarming findings.
As many as 17 shawarma samples collected from various districts across Karnataka, including Bengaluru Rural, Mysuru, Tumkuru, Hubballi, Dharwad, Mangaluru, Ballari and Belagavi, have revealed that eight of them tested positive for harmful bacteria and yeast, making them unsafe for consumption, the state's Department of Food Safety said.
The contamination has been attributed to poor hygiene practices during preparation, inadequate storage, and insufficient sanitation during distribution.
In response, the Food Safety and Quality Commissioner has emphasised the critical importance of adhering to food safety regulations.
Shawarma makers are now mandated to ensure that fresh shawarma is prepared and sold daily, it should prominently display the mandatory FSSAI registration and license at their business premises; maintain stringent hygiene standards throughout the food preparation and distribution process.
Furthermore, the department has taken decisive action by banning the use of artificial colours in food items such as gobi and kebabs. This decision follows the discovery of unsafe artificial coloring in various street foods, posing significant health risks to consumers.
In a significant policy shift aimed at enhancing local trade and ensuring food safety, Karnataka has implemented a ban on street vendors from outside the state. This decision responds to complaints about non-local vendors using excessive artificial colors and reflects demands from the Town Trade Committee to prioritise local traders.
Beginning July 1, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) will conduct a comprehensive survey of out-of-state street vendors.
Vendors must provide identity proof, such as Aadhaar, ration, or voter cards, to continue operating after the survey. This regulation, already enforced in Mysuru, will be extended statewide to enforce compliance among all vendors in Karnataka.
The ban on out-of-state traders is expected to significantly impact migrant street vendors operating in Karnataka, with the government aiming to create a safer food environment and foster more opportunities for local traders.