DH Impact: Health min takes note of rat menace in Indira Canteen kitchen, says 'determined to ensure highest standards of hygiene'

DH had flagged rat menace in Indira Canteen Master Kitchen at Alanahalli Circle in Mysuru city, posing a serious health threat to customers.

Mysuru: Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dinesh Gundu Rao has posted on X about the corrective measures being taken up by the government in Indira Canteens, followed by a report published in DH on November 10.

The report had flagged rat menace in Indira Canteen Master Kitchen at Alanahalli Circle in Mysuru city, posing a serious health threat to customers.

He has tweeted, "Our department has taken reports of hygiene lapses in one of the Indira Canteens with utmost seriousness. We have initiated immediate measures to enforce strict food safety and cleanliness protocols across all facilities. Inspections are being intensified. Those responsible, including contractors and officials, will be held accountable. We are determined to ensure that Indira Canteens uphold the highest standards of hygiene and continue serving quality meals to the public."

Followed by the report, the CM's office issued directions to Commissioner for Food Safety K Srinivas, to take necessary measures. Commissioner Srinivas directed Designated Officers (DO) and Food Safety Officers (FSO) of FSSAI to inspect all 125 Indira Canteens and their Master Kitchens across Karnataka, on November 13. After the inspection on November 13 and 14, he submitted a report to the Chief Minister's special officer.

Followed by Report and DC G Lakshmikanth Reddy's directions, the Mysuru City Corporation Commissioner Asad Ur Rehman Sharief and MCC Health officer Dr N P Venkatesh visited Indira Canteen Master Kitchen at Alanahalli Circle, in Mysuru city, where rats were found, on November 10.

This Kitchen supplies food to six Indira canteens in Mysuru city. Designated Officer of FSSAI Dr S L Ravindra, who works under the Health department, in MCC limits inspected this Master Kitchen on November 11 and gave a report on corrective measures to MCC Commissioner.

MCC has begun necessary civil works at this Kitchen. Dr Ravindra had directed three FSOs to inspect all 12 Indira canteens and another Master Kitchen on Kumbarkoppal Road, which supplies food to six more Indira canteens in Mysuru city. They have finished inspection of nine canteens and Master Kitchen on Kumbarkoppal road.