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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Hassan (Karnataka), Jul 26 (PTI): Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Saturday refuted allegations that Congress general secretary and Karnataka in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala had met with state government officials, terming it "completely false".Speaking to reporters at Arsikere, Shivakumar clarified that Randeep Surjewala has neither met nor spoken to any officials.

“This is our government. If there is anything to be conveyed, he (Surjewala) will tell us directly. If there are any mistakes, he will inform us, and we will correct them. Apart from that, saying he met officials is false,” Shivakumar, who is also the Congress state president said.

Asked about Karnataka Minister K N Rajanna’s statement that such meetings with officials are "illegal", Shivakumar declined to comment.

“I don’t want to speak about senior leaders. The Chief Minister has already responded to this. After his clarification, I have nothing further to say. The Chief Minister has more information than I do,” he said.

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