The Food Safety Division of the Department of Food Safety and Drug Administration conducted inspections at 16 sweet-manufacturing units across Hubballi, Belagavi, Kalaburagi, Bengaluru, Mysuru, and other cities on August 31.
The inspections were carried out under the directions of Minister for Health and Family Welfare, UT Khader, to ensure strict adherence to food safety, hygiene, and quality standards, thereby safeguarding public health.
During the inspections, officials collected samples of various food products, including sweets, cooking oil, fresh oil, curd, pulses, chickpeas, jalebi, khova, and tea powder, for laboratory analysis.
These samples have been sent to authorized laboratories to assess their quality, safety, and compliance with prescribed food safety standards.
In Hubballi, authorities inspected two establishments, while three were inspected in Belagavi.
At a prominent bakery in Hubballi, officials observed unhygienic conditions in the manufacturing unit and issued a notice, initiating necessary action under the Food Safety and Standards Act.
Similarly, at another well-known sweet establishment in Hubballi, unhygienic conditions were observed, leading to the issuance of a notice and initiation of legal action.
In Belagavi, about 10 kg of expired chocolate flavor was seized from a leading sweet kunda manufacturer, and 5 kg of Rasgulla was disposed of as per the prescribed procedure.
Additionally, officials seized 5 liters of expired Nandini curd and 13 large packets and 6 small packets of chocolate decoration products due to improper labeling.
About 60 kg of various food products, including Banana Chips and Chakli Masala, were found to be misbranded as they lacked mandatory labeling information, such as the manufacturer’s name, address, and FSSAI license number.
The products were seized for violating prescribed labeling requirements.
Furthermore, officials seized 367 kg of ready-to-eat savouries, 4 kg of cocoa powder, 4.5 kg of cracked cocoa beans, 6 kg of khova, and 196 kg of fennel powder during the inspection drive.
In total, food products valued at Rs 5.99 lakh were seized during the special inspection drive.
The department stated that further legal action will be initiated against the establishments concerned, in accordance with the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the rules and regulations framed there under.
