Bengaluru: Karnataka food safety authorities have shut down the juice counter at a PVR INOX multiplex in Forum Mall, Konanakunte Cross, following an inspection prompted by a viral video alleging that disposable cups were being reused to serve beverages.
The action came after an Instagram video shared on November 5 triggered widespread criticism on social media. The video, posted by user Mithil Kumar, appeared to show used beverage cups stacked together and alleged that staff at the multiplex were reusing disposable glasses.
However, PVR INOX has denied the allegation, stating that the cups seen in the video were damaged and had been kept aside. The company maintained that they were not reused for serving customers.
Viral video sparks public outrage
The video reportedly showed several beverage cups stacked together at the juice counter of the PVR INOX outlet at Forum Mall in South Bengaluru.
The person who shared the footage alleged that the cups had been used previously and were being reused to serve drinks. The video quickly attracted attention, with social media users questioning the hygiene practices followed by the multiplex chain and demanding action from the authorities.
The incident prompted concerns over food safety and the handling of disposable serving materials at establishments catering to large numbers of customers.
Food safety officials inspect outlet
Following the complaint, food safety officers from Karnataka’s Health Department inspected the PVR INOX outlet at Forum Mall, Konanakunte Cross.
Health and Family Welfare Minister U.T. Khader confirmed the inspection in a post on X on Thursday night, November 5. He said officials had found violations of food safety regulations during the visit.
According to the minister, a notice was issued to the establishment and its juice counter was shut down following the inspection.
Khader said food safety regulations applied equally to large brands and small vendors, stressing that businesses must prioritise customers’ health while handling and serving food and beverages.
He also urged members of the public to report unhygienic food preparation, packaging or serving practices. The minister referred to the Food Safety QR code, through which consumers can submit complaints for investigation.
The action was limited to the juice counter, and the minister’s statement did not indicate that the entire multiplex had been closed.
PVR INOX denies reuse of disposable cups
Responding to the controversy, a PVR INOX spokesperson acknowledged that food safety authorities had visited the premises and said the company was cooperating with them.
The multiplex chain categorically denied that disposable cups had been reused to serve beverages. It said the cups shown in the video were damaged and leaking and had been kept aside rather than used for dispensing drinks.
The spokesperson stated that there had been no reuse of cups and that the damaged ones were not used to serve customers.
PVR INOX also said it had conducted an internal investigation and found no process deviation at the outlet.
The company’s explanation differs from the allegation made in the viral video. The food safety authorities, meanwhile, have taken action following the inspection and issued a notice over the violations they reported finding.
Food hygiene under scrutiny
The incident has brought attention to food safety practices at multiplexes and other commercial food outlets, where customers expect proper hygiene in the preparation, storage and serving of refreshments.
Disposable cups and other single-use serving materials are intended to be used in accordance with applicable hygiene requirements. Food businesses are expected to ensure that serving materials are clean and suitable for use and that damaged items are not used to dispense food or beverages.
The juice counter will remain subject to the action taken by the food safety authorities. Further details regarding the notice and the reported violations were not provided in the information released by the minister.
The episode has also highlighted the role of consumer complaints and public reporting in bringing alleged food safety lapses to the attention of enforcement agencies.