1 hr ago
Karnataka Expands Food-Safety Drive To Protect Street Vendors
Karnataka wants street-food sellers to prepare and serve food more safely.
Health Minister U T Khader announced the plan at a meeting in Bengaluru.
Officials will look at cleanliness, ingredients and cooking oil.
They have already increased checks at hotels and restaurants.
The government says inspections should improve safety without unfairly hurting honest businesses.
The Bangalore Chamber of Industry and Commerce supports teaching vendors and customers about safe food practices.
Officials from different parts of India will meet in Karnataka in October to discuss what works.
Another health conclave is also planned in Bengaluru during October.
Health Minister U T Khader said Karnataka will extend food-safety enforcement to street-food vendors.
The initiative will focus on hygiene, ingredient handling, cooking oil use and public awareness.
Officials have recently increased inspections at hotels, restaurants and other food outlets across Karnataka.
The Bangalore Chamber of Industry and Commerce pledged support through awareness campaigns and joint programmes.
Karnataka will host a national meeting of food-safety officers and commissioners in October to review rules and share practices.
- Who
- Karnataka Health Minister U T Khader, the Karnataka Government, street-food vendors and the Bangalore Chamber of Industry and Commerce.
- What
- Karnataka is widening its food-safety work to include street-food vendors, with emphasis on hygiene, handling and awareness.
- Where
- The announcement was made in Bengaluru, Karnataka, with inspections taking place across Karnataka.
- When
- The announcement was made on 24 September 2026; national meetings are planned for October, including a health conclave in the third week.
- Why
- The stated aim is to protect public health, improve compliance, strengthen consumer trust and promote safer food practices.
Key facts
- Announcing minister
- U T Khader, Karnataka Minister for Health and Family Welfare
- Announcement date
- 24 September 2026
- New focus
- Street-food vendors
- Safety priorities
- Cleanliness, ingredient handling, cooking-oil use and public awareness
- Industry partner
- Bangalore Chamber of Industry and Commerce
- Planned October meeting
- National gathering of Food Safety Officers and Commissioners
- Additional event
- An all-India health conclave is planned in Bengaluru during the third week of October
Quotes
Bangalore Chamber of Industry and Commerce
Industry chamber supporting Karnataka’s food-safety initiative
“Street vendors feed a large share of residents and form a vital slice of the food chain. Inspections alone cannot deliver safety; vendors, handlers, firms and buyers all need more teaching and information.”
thehansindia.com










