A packaged-water unit being sealed during the inspection drive. Image: Supplied.
Bengaluru: Karnataka’s Food Safety and Drug Administration has reported the closure of 12 packaged-water units following a two-day statewide inspection drive covering 102 units on October 29 and 30.
A total of 69 water samples were sent to government food laboratories for analysis, while notices were issued to 53 units or food business operators, the department said in its October 30 release.
On the second day alone, officials inspected 57 units, collected 37 samples and issued 29 notices. The drive was carried out on the directions of Health and Family Welfare Minister U.T. Khader.
Hygiene, licence and labelling issues
The department said inspections found unhygienic conditions at some units, missing medical certificates for food handlers, labelling defects, unavailable water-analysis reports and missing pest-control certificates. Further legal action would follow under food-safety laws and regulations, it said.
Among the actions detailed in the release, S.P. Food & Beverages in Hassan, Avanti Industries at Madanayakanahalli in Bengaluru Urban district and Sai Ram Food Beverages in Bidar were closed over severe unhygienic conditions, the department said.
Om Shakthi Minerals at Madanayakanahalli and Dalia Beverages in Mysuru Rural district were closed for operating without the mandatory FSSAI licence, according to the release.
Nandi Food and Beverages in Kalaburagi’s KIADB area was closed over both unhygienic conditions and the absence of a mandatory licence. Aqua Refresh Packaged Drinking Water Unit in Kalaburagi’s KIADB area was closed for non-cooperation during inspection and investigation, the department said.
82 cases of bottled water seized
At M.S. Food and Beverages in Vijayapura, Devanahalli taluk, Bengaluru Rural district, officials seized 82 cases of one-litre packaged drinking-water bottles over labelling defects. The seized stock was valued at ₹7,380, the release said.
The department said inspections and action against violations would continue. Its first-day drive covered 45 units, with one unit in Mulbagal shut.
This report will be updated when responses are received from the companies named.
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