Bengaluru: Karnataka has given Food Business Operators (FBOs) 15 days to rectify deficiencies related to food safety, cleanliness and hygiene detected during a recently conducted special inspection drive.

In an advisory, the Food Safety and Drug Administration Department (FDA) directed food business operators to ensure they hold valid FSSAI licences or registrations and comply with all applicable food safety laws and regulations.

The operators have also been instructed to use only safe and wholesome food and immediately segregate and dispose of expired, spoiled or contaminated food products.

The advisory sets out requirements for maintaining clean kitchens and premises, regularly cleaning and sanitising food-contact surfaces and equipment, preventing pest infestations and maintaining prescribed temperatures for perishable items, including milk, meat, eggs and prepared food.

Refrigerators, freezers and other temperature-control equipment must also be maintained in proper working condition.

Food handlers have been directed to maintain personal hygiene, wear clean protective clothing and wash their hands properly and frequently while handling food. The department has also stressed the use of safe water and ice, proper labelling of packaged food products and appropriate disposal of food waste.

Food handlers must receive the required food-safety training and undergo health examinations wherever prescribed.

The department has directed FBOs to cooperate with Food Safety Officers during inspections and rectify all identified deficiencies within the stipulated 15-day period.

Following the deadline, the concerned Food Safety Officers will conduct re-inspections. If the deficiencies have not been rectified or violations continue, legal action will be initiated under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the rules and regulations framed under it, the department said.