Serious concerns over roadside food hygiene have resurfaced after Karnataka health officials imposed fines of ₹1.45 lakh on highway dhabas during surprise inspections near Bengaluru.
The enforcement drive was conducted on April 10 following public complaints regarding food quality, cleanliness and safety standards at eateries along major highways.
Surprise checks at 41 dhabas
Officials inspected 41 highway dhabas across multiple routes and collected 16 food samples for laboratory testing.
Authorities said the aim was to ensure that travellers stopping for meals receive safe and hygienic food while using Karnataka’s busy road corridors.
Area-wise fines imposed
On the Nelamangala–Tumakuru road, eight dhabas were inspected, four samples were collected and fines of around ₹30,000 were levied.
The highest penalty of ₹85,000 was imposed on dhabas along the Nelamangala–Kunigal stretch, where nine eateries were checked and four samples were collected.
On the Tumakuru–Chitradurga highway, eight dhabas were inspected, with fines of ₹30,000 imposed.
Officials also inspected dhabas between Davanagere and Haveri, where additional samples were collected for testing.
Public health concerns grow
Highway dhabas remain popular among travellers and truck drivers, especially during long journeys. However, food hygiene at many roadside eateries has often remained a concern.
Regular inspections help monitor kitchen cleanliness, ingredient quality, food storage and staff hygiene.
More action likely
Authorities said the latest drive was part of ongoing efforts to improve food safety standards across Karnataka highways.
If laboratory reports reveal further violations, stricter penalties or legal action may follow.
The crackdown sends a clear message that food safety cannot be compromised, especially where thousands of travellers depend on roadside eateries every day