Karnataka Health Department Inspects Water Units and Issues Notices

The Food Safety and Drug Administration Department inspected 102 packaged drinking water manufacturing units across Karnataka during a statewide special enforcement drive conducted on October 29 and 30, officials said. Authorities issued formal notices to 53 food business operators and ordered the immediate closure of 12 establishments for severe regulatory and hygiene infractions.

The statewide sweep was initiated on the directives of Health and Family Welfare Minister U.T. Khader following mounting concerns regarding commercial water safety and quality standards. Officials deployed 23 inspection teams to examine production plants, check operating conditions, and verify licensing compliance to protect public health.

During the two-day operation, inspectors collected 69 water samples from the facilities and dispatched them to government food laboratories for detailed chemical and bacteriological analysis. Department officials stated that operations found multiple infractions, including heavily unhygienic production environments, missing pest control certificates, and the absence of mandatory medical fitness records for staff handling the product.

Several plants were operating without valid licences issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, while others lacked requisite water-quality analysis reports. Inspectors also identified widespread labelling discrepancies and instances of misbranded water bottles being prepared for distribution.

Among the establishments facing closure were S.P. Food and Beverages in Hassan district, Avanti Industries and Om Shakthi Minerals in Bengaluru Urban district, and Sai Ram Food Beverages in Bidar district, primarily due to unhygienic operations or lack of statutory permits. Additional units were sealed in Kalaburagi, Kolar, and Mysuru Rural districts, including one location penalized for non-cooperation with inspecting authorities.

In Bengaluru Rural district, enforcement personnel seized 82 cartons of one-litre packaged drinking water bottles valued at ₹7,380 from a plant in Devanahalli taluk due to gross labelling violations. Similar seizures of misbranded stock occurred earlier in Mysuru and Davanagere districts.

Health authorities reiterated that strict legal proceedings will be pursued against non-compliant operators under the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Consumers have been advised to inspect product packaging for an intact seal, the ISI mark, an authentic FSSAI licence number, and clear manufacturing dates prior to purchase.