Karnataka’s Food Safety Department inspected 45 ice cream manufacturing units across the state and seized expired ingredients, while sending 70 food samples for laboratory testing, officials said on Thursday. The inspections were conducted on the direction of Health Minister U.T. Khader to check compliance with food safety and quality standards.
The samples included ice cream, milk, milk powder, flavouring substances and other raw materials. Officials carried out the inspections under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and examined whether the units were following prescribed standards for food quality, safety, hygiene and labelling.
The department found expired materials at several establishments. In Bengaluru’s Jayanagar Third Block, officials seized expired biscuits, Nandini milk, tea and coffee products, and coconut powder from Savar Ice Cream Café. At M.N. Enterprises in Bilekahalli on Bannerghatta Road, expired caramel, Nestlé Milkmaid and Milky Mist khoya were seized and destroyed.
The inspections also identified labelling deficiencies at some units. In Mysuru, officials found labelling-related shortcomings at the John Candy ice cream manufacturing unit and seized ice cream and other food products valued at ₹20,000. The report did not specify whether the seized products had entered the retail market or been served to consumers.
A sanitation deficiency was reported at the Gemini Ice Cream manufacturing unit in Raichur, which was issued a notice. The department also warned some manufacturers of legal action for violating food safety requirements.
Food Safety Department Commissioner K. Srinivas said action would be taken under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the related 2011 regulations. “Appropriate legal action will be taken against those who violate the rules,” he said, according to Prajavani.
The enforcement drive highlights the role of state food safety authorities in monitoring small and medium-sized food manufacturing units that supply products to urban consumers. Ice cream production involves perishable dairy ingredients, processed flavouring materials and packaged inputs, making expiry control, storage, sanitation and accurate labelling central to consumer safety.
The department said inspections of ice cream manufacturing units would continue across Karnataka in the interest of public health. Further action will depend on laboratory findings and the outcome of proceedings under the applicable food safety law and regulations.
