Karnataka High Court Directs Centre to Frame Separate Food Safety Rules for Restaurants

The Karnataka High Court has directed the Union government to frame distinct food safety regulations for small, medium, and large restaurants to ensure consistent hygiene and health standards across all levels of food businesses.

Justice M Nagaprasanna noted that the current framework under the 2011 Regulations only differentiates establishments based on annual turnover, which is inadequate. The court also asked the state to issue separate health and safety standards for street vendors and food trucks.

Upholding the constitutionality of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, the court said the regulations serve a vital public purpose and must be strictly followed.

[Karnataka Pradesh Hotel & Restaurants Association v. Union of India, 2025 LiveLaw (Kar) 373]