Karnataka’s Food Safety and Drug Administration Department inspected 45 ice cream manufacturing units across the state on October 8, collected 70 samples for laboratory testing and seized expired food products from establishments in Bengaluru and Mysuru, according to an official release.
The special inspection drive was conducted on the directions of Health and Family Welfare Minister U T Khader under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and related rules. The samples included ice cream, milk, milk powder, flavouring substances, sugar, food additives and other raw materials.
The department said the samples had been sent to government food laboratories to assess their quality and compliance with prescribed safety standards. The laboratory findings will determine whether further action is required in relation to the products tested.
In Bengaluru’s Jayanagar 3rd Block, officials seized expired biscuits, milk, alkalised tea and coffee mixes and desiccated coconut powder from Savara Ice Cream Cafe. At M N Enterprises in Bilekahalli, officials seized expired plain caramel, Milkmaid and khoa. Both establishments fall under the BBMP, now GBA, South Zone.
Officials also reported labelling deficiencies at M N Enterprises. At John Candy Ice Cream Manufacturing Unit in Mysuru, labelling violations were found and ice cream products valued at Rs 20,000 were seized. The inspection team observed unhygienic conditions at Gemini Ice Cream Manufacturing Unit in Raichur, following which the unit was issued a notice.
The inspection results point to multiple compliance areas being examined across the ice cream supply chain, including the condition of manufacturing premises, the validity period of food products, labelling and the quality of raw materials. The department has not yet disclosed the laboratory results for the 70 samples.
The Food Safety and Drug Administration Department said legal action would be initiated against the establishments concerned under the Food Safety and Standards Act and the relevant rules and regulations. It also said special inspection drives at ice cream manufacturing units would continue across Karnataka in the interest of public health, with action against establishments found violating food safety norms.
