Kitchen serving Indira Canteens infested with rats

Rats are running riot at the main kitchen supplying food to six Indira Canteens, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s dream project, posing a health risk to customers who frequent the outlets on the promise of cheap and healthy food.

Though this DH correspondent, who on Saturday found the master kitchen behind the Indira Canteen at Alanahalli Circle well maintained, was shocked to see at least 10 rats jumping from the idli stand to exhaust ducts and the stove.

The cooks had despatched food to six canteens in the city, including those at Alanahalli, Dr Rajkumar Road, CADA office premises, Silk Factory Circle, Sewage Farm Road in Vidyaranyapuram and Azeez Sait Double Road Ward No. 11.

Ajay Kumar, a field officer of a private firm and a regular diner at Alanahalli Circle canteen, was also shocked to see the rats. “I wonder if the food I have been having here for long is safe. What if they fall into the food?” he questioned.

Tender holder Mahesh claimed, “The rats were there even before we got the tender. We have informed Mysore City Corporation officials. The government is yet to renovate the kitchen and repair the leaking ceiling, exhaust fan duct, door and plug loopholes to prevent rats. The rats surface only when there is no one in the kitchen. We ensure the lids are closed. Up to a 1,000 people visit the five canteens a day and there have been no complaints,” he said.

When contacted, Mysuru DC G Lakshmikanth Reddy said he was shocked to hear about it and assured the issue will be addressed immediately.

MCC Chief Health Officer N P Venkatesh in charge of Indira Canteens under MCC said, “We are aware of the issue. We will take up repairs soon to ensure there are no rats,” he said.

FSSAI designated officer under the health department, MCC limits, Dr S L Ravindra said, “It is the duty of tender holder to maintain hygiene. Bacteria from rats and their faeces may contaminate food. If its urine gets mixed with food or water, it might cause leptospirosis. We will inspect the kitchen soon.”