The Karnataka Health Department has launched a crackdown on eateries serving unhygienic shawarma after getting several complaints from consumers across the state.
This move followed soon after the people reported illness after eating the dish and the government's recent prohibition on artificial colors in kebabs and gobi manchurian.
Health officials collected shawarma samples from ten districts, including areas within Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), Bengaluru Urban District, Tumkuru, Mysuru, Hubballi, Mangaluru, and Ballari.
As per the report of India Today, the analysis showed that only 9 out of 17 samples were deemed safe for consumption. The rest contained bacteria and yeast, likely due to poor cooking practices or prolonged meat storage.
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"Based on the lab reports, we have initiated action under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the Food Safety and Standards (Food Products, Standards, and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011, against the hotels and restaurants where Shawarma was prepared under unhygienic conditions," read an official statement from the health department.
Govt Advises To Buy 'Shawarma' From Licensed Eateries
The government advises consumers to buy shawarma only from those eateries that are licensed by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). Eateries have also been directed to use fresh meat daily, register their outlets under the FSSAI Act, and obtain a licence.
The government has also warned that stringent action will be taken against eateries that fail to comply with these guidelines. The state government announced a complete ban on artificial colors in chicken kebabs and fish dishes statewide on June 24. This decision followed after inspections revealed that artificial colors compromised food quality.