Report

The Karnataka Food Safety and Drug Administration Department is actively enforcing the Drugs and Cosmetics Act of 1940 to ensure the safety and quality of food products, drugs, and cosmetics across the state. The department is focusing on eliminating substandard medications, monitoring food standards, and enhancing public health safety.

Action Against Substandard Medications

In a large-scale operation, enforcement agents tested 1,133 drug samples, identifying 106 as substandard. In February, 1,841 drug samples were tested, with 58 failing quality checks. Authorities also reviewed 262 cosmetic samples in December 2024, with 120 passing and others under review.

Legal Proceedings and Product Recalls

Between December 2024 and January 2025, authorities filed 75 cases and recalled Rs. 17 lakh worth of drugs. In January 2025, they targeted narcotic drug misuse, inspecting 488 pharmacies, issuing notifications to 400 companies, and revoking 231 licenses. From February 17th to 19th, 2025, a statewide inspection uncovered 52 pharmacies selling antibiotics without prescriptions, prompting legal action.

Food Safety Measures

In January 2025, the department tested 3,608 food samples, finding 26 unsafe and 28 below quality standards. In February 2025, they tested 2,543 food samples, with eight unsafe and five substandard. A special campaign in August 2024 found 12 unsafe cake samples, but re-evaluation in January 2025 showed improvement, with only seven unsafe samples. Authorities continue educating bakery businesses on the proper use of artificial colours.

Targeted Campaigns and Inspections

In February 2025, a campaign tested 288 bottled water samples, with results currently pending. At the same time, authorities tested 106 samples of fried green peas for artificial colours, finding 26 to be unsafe. Once final assessments are completed, legal actions will be taken as necessary. Meanwhile, inspectors conducted thorough checks at 681 hotels, restaurants, and street food vendors, uncovering 52 establishments using banned plastic paper to prepare idlis. Authorities issued notices and have been conducting ongoing awareness campaigns to address these violations.

The Food Safety and Drug Administration remains committed to ensuring the safety and quality of food and drugs in Karnataka. By enforcing stringent regulations and safeguarding public health, the department continues to maintain high standards across the industry.

Source: India Today