BENGALURU: Karnataka’s Food Safety and Drug Administration inspected sweet-manufacturing units and retail outlets across the state and issued notices to 15 food business operators on October 17 after identifying violations during a special food safety drive ahead of the festive season.

The inspections were carried out by the department’s Food Safety Wing to check hygiene, food quality, storage practices and compliance with labelling requirements. Officials collected food samples for laboratory testing to determine whether the products met prescribed safety standards.

The special drive was conducted from October 15 to 17, when demand for sweets typically increases during the festive period.

100 establishments inspected on the third day

On October 17, officials inspected 100 sweet-manufacturing units and retail outlets across Karnataka. They collected 113 food samples and sent them to government food laboratories for analysis.

The inspections revealed deficiencies in food preparation and storage areas, including unhygienic conditions. Officials also found that some food handlers did not have the required medical certificates, while certain products had labelling defects.

Following the inspections, notices were issued to 15 food business operators for the violations detected. The department said the collected samples would be analysed to assess their quality and compliance with food safety standards.

The laboratory results will help establish whether the sampled products meet the applicable requirements. The collection of samples does not, by itself, establish that the products are unsafe.

286 establishments covered in three days

Across the three-day inspection drive, officials inspected a total of 286 sweet-manufacturing units and retail outlets throughout the state.

The department collected 383 food samples during the period and sent them for laboratory testing. Notices were issued to 40 food business operators over the three days, while two operators were fined a total of Rs 7,000.

Officials also seized 30 kg of misbranded khova during the drive. Misbranding and labelling deficiencies can prevent consumers from accessing essential information about food products and their manufacturers.

The inspections were conducted under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration) Regulations, 2011.

Focus on hygiene and compliance

Food safety inspections are intended to ensure that businesses follow prescribed standards while manufacturing, handling, storing and selling food products. Requirements relating to sanitation, food-handler fitness and product labelling are particularly important in establishments preparing food in large quantities.

During the festive season, when sweet manufacturers and retailers may experience increased demand, consistent compliance with these requirements is essential to protect consumers.

The latest drive highlights the department’s efforts to identify violations and initiate action against businesses that fail to meet food safety standards. The notices issued during the inspections give the concerned operators an opportunity to address the identified deficiencies in accordance with the applicable procedures.

The department has indicated that enforcement action will continue against establishments found violating food safety and quality requirements. Further action will depend on the nature of the violations and the findings of the relevant authorities.

Consumers can help make informed choices by checking product labels, expiry dates and packaging condition when purchasing sweets, particularly from packaged-food retailers. However, the safety of sampled products from this drive will ultimately depend on the results of official laboratory analysis and any subsequent regulatory action.