Mangaluru: Dakshina Kannada district food safety officials inspected a supplementary nutrition food production centre in Moodushedde following directions issued during the second quarterly Karnataka Development Programme (KDP) meeting chaired by Health Minister U T Khader.
Dakshina Kannada District Food Safety Designated Officer Dr Praveen Kumar CH inspected the Mangaluru Taluk and Urban Mahila Supplementary Production and Training Center (MSPC), located within the Moodushedde Gram Panchayat limits.
Focus on food served to children
During the inspection, officials examined the preparation of supplementary nutritional products, including Pushti and millet laddu mix, which are supplied to children at Anganwadi centres.
The inspection aimed to ensure that food provided to young children is prepared hygienically, safely and in accordance with prescribed food quality standards.
Dr Praveen Kumar explained the rules and requirements that the centre must follow under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and advised officials to maintain appropriate food safety practices throughout the production process.
Samples sent for laboratory testing
Food safety officials collected samples of Pushti, millet laddu powder and sambar powder supplied as supplementary nutrition to children. The samples have been sent to a food laboratory for analysis.
Further legal action will be considered based on the laboratory findings.
Officials also directed the centre to take steps towards introducing machinery for packing the food products. A letter will be sent to the Deputy Director of the Women and Child Development Department regarding further action.
Packaging and labelling tightened
The centre was instructed to use good-quality, food-grade plastic for packaging the nutritional products.
Officials also directed that essential details such as the date of manufacture, expiry date and batch number be clearly printed on the packages using suitable equipment, in accordance with food safety regulations.
The inspection highlights the importance of maintaining strict hygiene, quality control and proper labelling when preparing food meant for children at Anganwadi centres.