Empire Restaurant in Bengaluru Under Fire: Chicken Kebabs Declared Unsafe by FSSAI

Food lovers in the city may want to take note of recent developments involving the popular Empire Restaurant chain. Reports suggest that the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has found chicken kebab samples from multiple Empire outlets in Bengaluru to be "unsafe for consumption" following inspections and lab tests.

FSSAI Issues Notice to Empire Restaurant in Gandhinagar

Following the test results, the FSSAI has reportedly issued a formal notice to Empire Restaurant's Gandhinagar branch, giving it 30 days to respond, as reported by NewsFirst Prime. If the restaurant chooses to dispute the findings, it may request a retest at CFTRI Mysuru, at its own expense. A failure to respond within the timeframe could lead to legal proceedings under the FSSAI Act.

As reported, the Food Safety and Quality Department collected chicken kebab samples from several Empire Restaurant outlets in Bengaluru, including:

1. Shivajinagar
2. Malleswaram
3. Mahadevapura
4. Gandhinagar
5. Bommanahalli
6. Hebbal

The Gandhinagar outlet near Anand Rao Circle was specifically flagged after 2 kilograms of chicken kebab were collected on June 26 and sent to the State Food Laboratory at the Public Health Institute.

Test results confirmed the kebabs were unsafe as per standards set under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, specifically referencing Rule 2.4.1 (iii) of the 2011 regulations.

Public Concern Grows Over Food Safety at Popular Eatery

The revelation has caused public concern due to Empire's long-standing popularity across Bengaluru and Karnataka. Many loyal customers are now questioning the safety and hygiene practices at the restaurant chain.

The Empire management has been advised to initiate a second sample test at CFTRI Mysuru, should they contest the findings. However, the cost and responsibility of initiating the retest lie solely with the restaurant.

If Empire fails to respond within the stipulated 30 days, legal action under the FSSAI Act will follow, potentially affecting the brand's reputation and future operations.

As the case unfolds, consumers are urged to stay informed and prioritize food safety when dining out. The Empire chicken kebab controversy could become a turning point for how Bengaluru's restaurants handle hygiene and compliance.