Assistant Commissioner and team inspect hotels, juice centres in Shivamogga, order closure of two

A team of officials led by Shivamogga sub-division Assistant Commissioner H.P.S. Maithri conducted raids on food outlets, restaurants, and juice centres in Shivamogga town on Tuesday (September 15) and ordered the closure of two juice centres after finding rotten fruit, besides issuing notices to several other outlets.

The team ordered the closure of two outlets of Tanu Juice Centre, located at the heart of the city, after noticing rotten fruit with fungal growth. The officials opened the refrigerators and found bags full of rotten fruit.

“There were many complaints about the juice centre. When we came here, we were shocked to find rotten fruits inside. There are many children among the customers. They believe it is good and healthy. The situation inside is different — grapes, chikoo, dragon fruit, avocado, pomegranate, all rotten with fungal growth and not fit for consumption. We are closing it immediately. It appears the fruit had been stored for a long time. If patients consume this, their health could deteriorate,” Ms. Maithri said.

The officials found rotten meat at a hotel named Red Hotel and expired juice at Malnad Restaurant. They seized both items. In many other hotels, the officials noticed unhygienic practices and issued notices asking them to comply with food safety measures and ensure hygiene on their premises.

Ms. Maithri told The Hindu that during the day’s raids, the team had ordered the closure of two juice centres. “We have collected samples from the centres. They will be sent to the FSSAI lab in Bengaluru. Based on the lab reports, we will take further action against them,” she said.

The team had also collected samples from several other outlets and restaurants, she said, and all the samples would go to the designated lab in Bengaluru. “We have given them 15 days to comply with the instructions. Food outlets and restaurants have to follow safety measures since they are serving food to the public. Any lapses on their part will reflect on the health of the people,” she said.