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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'Wrong format': Speaker UT Khader rejects APMC Minister Shivanand Patil's resignation
Bengaluru: Minister for Textiles and APMC Shivanand S Patil resigned as MLA on Friday, stating that he was accepting a challenge from expelled BJP legislator Basanagouda Patil Yatnal to contest a by-election against him, but Karnataka Assembly Speaker UT Khader rejected the letter on grounds that Patil's resignation was not in the right format.
The minister, who is the MLA from Basavana Bagevadi, had requested the Speaker in his letter to accept his letter only if Yatnal too resigned as legislator of Vijayapura to contest against him.
Yatnal too, however, has rejected Patil's challenge, calling it only a drama. Stating that a conditional resignation was not acceptable, Yatnal added that he would not resign unless the minister's resignation letter was accepted.
Yatnal had recently criticized Patil and Congress MLA from Hungund Vijayanand Kashappanavar for protesting against him in Vijayapura city for his allegedly defamatory comments on Muslims. Yatnal had also challenged both Congress leaders to face him in by-elections from their respective constituencies.
On Friday, Patil submitted his resignation, saying he was accepting Yatnal's challenge and would take on the MLA in a by-election from Basavana Bagevadi.
