Karnataka’s Food Safety Department inspected 45 ice-cream manufacturing units across the state and seized expired ingredients and food products during a statewide operation ordered by Health Minister U.T. Khader. The department sent 70 samples, including ice cream, milk, milk powder, flavouring substances and other raw materials, to laboratories for testing.
Officials conducted the inspections on Thursday under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, examining the quality and safety of products used in ice-cream manufacturing. The department said it found expired materials at some units and identified violations involving labelling and hygiene.
At Savar Ice Cream Cafe in Jayanagar’s Third Block in Bengaluru, officials seized expired biscuits, Nandini milk, tea and coffee products, and coconut powder. At M.N. Enterprises in Bilekahalli on Bannerghatta Road, they seized expired caramel, Nestlé Milkmaid and Milky Mist khova. The seized material was destroyed, according to the report.
The inspections also found shortcomings in product labelling at some facilities. Officials identified labelling violations at the John Candy ice-cream manufacturing unit in Mysuru. The department also seized ice-cream and other food products valued at ₹20,000 during the operation.
In Raichur, the Gemini Ice Cream manufacturing unit was issued a notice after officials found inadequate hygiene conditions. The department said legal action would be taken under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the rules notified in 2011.
Food Safety Department Commissioner K. Srinivas said action would be initiated against units that violate the rules. “Appropriate legal action will be taken against those violating the rules,” he said. Srinivas added that inspections of ice-cream manufacturing units would continue across Karnataka in the interest of public health.
The 70 samples sent for laboratory analysis will determine whether the products meet the prescribed safety and quality standards. The department’s further action will depend on the inspection findings and laboratory results.
