Detergent powder in ice creams to create creamy texture, FDA flags local units in Karnataka: Report
Bengaluru: In a disturbing revelation, inspections by the Food Safety and Drug Administration (FDA) have uncovered that detergent powder was being used in ice creams to achieve a creamy texture in Karnataka.
Nearly half of the state’s local ice cream, ice candy, and cool drink manufacturing units have been flagged by the FDA for selling substandard products under unhygienic conditions, as reported by The New Indian Express.
A senior FDA official revealed that 97 out of 220 shops have been issued notices, while others received warnings for failing to maintain proper storage conditions. "Inspections uncovered shocking violations—detergent powder was being used in ice creams to create a creamy texture, while phosphoric acid, which weakens bones, was found in cool drinks to enhance fizz," the official told TNIE, adding that fines totaling Rs 38,000 were imposed.
With summer setting in and demand for ice cream and soft drinks increasing, the department conducted inspections to evaluate the quality and preparation methods of food commonly consumed by children, focusing on local units involved in producing these items.
Officials discovered unhygienic and poorly maintained storage facilities at some locations. Many manufacturers were found using synthetic milk made from detergent, urea, or starch to reduce costs, the report added.
Additionally, harmful additives like saccharin and non-permitted dyes were being used instead of natural sugar to enhance taste and colour.
Water contamination was another concern, with many units using non-potable water in ice candies and cool drinks. Some manufacturers were also exceeding the permissible limits for flavouring agents.
The FDA also inspected 590 hotels, restaurants, and messes, finding that 214 establishments lacked proper pest control measures. As a result, a fine of Rs 1,15,000 was imposed on these establishments.
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Modi says 'don't go abroad,' but flies off on trips himself: Mann's jibe at PM
Chandigarh (PTI): Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Saturday slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his appeal to people to postpone foreign travels when he himself did not stop going abroad.
Modi on Sunday in his address to the nation called for judicious use of fuel, postponing gold purchases and foreign travel due to the West Asia crisis. He urged the people to use the metro, carpooling, increased use of electric vehicles and working from home to conserve foreign exchange.
Speaking to reporters here, Mann said, "First, the prime minister should stop his foreign visits. Where is he now? He has gone to the Netherlands. He will visit 3-4 more countries. He has asked people to avoid but he still went (on foreign visits). You are shutting down everything... do not buy gold, do not undertake foreign visits, work from home."
He asked, "Why doesn't the PM work from home?"
The Punjab chief minister also took on the BJP-led Centre for increasing prices of petrol and diesel.
"We were to become 'vishwaguru' but we have become 'vishwachele'. The war is happening somewhere else but restrictions are being imposed here. Why has no other country implemented it (restrictions)?" he asked.
Mann said people across the country are struggling with inflation, rising transport costs and increasing household expenditure, but instead of providing relief, the Centre is asking citizens to reduce personal spending.
"Thankfully, the PM only advised people to save money and didn't ask them to beat 'thalis' and clap again," he said in a dig.
The Aam Aadmi Party leader asserted that instead of symbolic gestures and lectures, people expect practical steps to control inflation and reduce the financial burden on households, farmers and small businesses.
Petrol and diesel prices were hiked by Rs 3 per litre each on Friday, the first rate increase in more than four years, amid mounting losses to fuel retailers due to surging global crude prices.
Modi has reduced the size of his convoy, prompting several BJP chief ministers and other leaders to adopt similar measures.
The prime minister is on a six-day tour of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway and Italy to discuss bilateral ties.
Meanwhile, on the Bhakra water-sharing issue, Mann asserted that Punjab will preserve its water rights at every cost. He said Haryana would receive water strictly according to its legally scheduled quota and not before the stipulated timeline.
"Punjab will not compromise on its water rights under any pressure," he said. The chief minister said water is an emotional, economic and agricultural lifeline for Punjab and his government is fully committed to protecting every drop.
Punjab has no spare water to share with any other state, he said.
To a question on the upcoming local body polls, Mann said his party will be victorious.
Mann praised his government's work on the job and infrastructure front, and attacked Shiromani Akali Dal, claiming that the party steadily lost both public support and credibility due to years of political decline and disconnect from people's aspirations.
Akalis no longer command the trust they once enjoyed among Punjabis, he said.
