Bengaluru: Food safety officials inspected an online retail facility in Mangaluru following a complaint that a consumer found a worm inside an egg purchased through a quick-commerce platform, officials said on Thursday.

The consumer had lodged a complaint with Health Minister U T Khader, alleging that some eggs purchased online were damaged and that a worm was found inside one of them.

Based on the complaint, food safety officials conducted an inspection at the online retail facility operating from Falnir Square in the city's Falnir area, an official release said.

During the inspection, packets containing broken eggs were found at the facility, following which the concerned personnel were immediately instructed to remove and dispose of the affected packets, the officials said.

As a precautionary measure and to facilitate thorough cleaning and sanitisation of the food storage area, the storage room at the facility was temporarily closed and sealed.

The department said a notice would be issued to the establishment, seeking an explanation regarding the incident. Further action will be taken based on the inspection findings and the response submitted by the facility management, officials added. 

In a separate development, FSSAI has launched strict penal proceedings against a Bengaluru-based nutraceutical and healthcare company following targeted inspections centred on infant nutrition safety and statutory compliance.

Food Safety and Drugs Administration stated, “Strict regulatory measures were taken by FSSAI against M/s British Lifesciences Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru, following inspections focused on infant food safety and compliance. A substantial quantity of misbranded infant food was seized under the FSS Act, 2006. Legal proceedings have been initiated against the FBO.”

According to FSSAI, a substantial quantity of misbranded infant food was seized under the FSS Act, 2006. Legal proceedings have been initiated against the FBO. Considering the serious nature of the violations and the potential risk posed by non-compliant infant food products to infants and young children, appropriate legal proceedings were initiated against the FBO. 3.7 MT of expired infant food articles ordered for destruction as per the Hon'ble Court's directions.

The expired stock was safely disposed of to prevent its reuse, diversion, or reintroduction into the food chain. The enforcement action reinforces the commitment to safeguarding the health and safety of infants and young children, FSSAI stated.