Packaged Water Crackdown: Karnataka Issues 24 Notices, Shuts Mulbagal Unit

Bengaluru: Karnataka’s Food Safety and Drug Administration Department has inspected 45 packaged drinking water units across the state, issued notices to 24 units and shut down one facility in Kolar district for unhygienic conditions, Health Minister UT Khader said.

The special inspection was conducted on the minister’s directions. A total of 32 water samples have been sent to government food laboratories for testing.

The drive uncovered several violations, including unhygienic premises, absence of medical fitness certificates for employees, lack of FSSAI licences, labelling irregularities and missing pest control certificates.

Misbranded packaged water was seized from units in Mysuru and Davanagere, while a unit in Mulbagal in Kolar district was closed due to poor hygiene standards.

Khader said the government would take legal action against those found guilty and that inspections would continue regularly. He stressed that there would be no compromise on the quality and safety of drinking water.

The minister also urged consumers to check the FSSAI licence number, ISI mark, manufacturing date and integrity of the seal before buying packaged drinking water. Consumers can scan the QR code to register complaints with the department if they notice any irregularities.