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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Kerala HC declines interim stay on screening of ''L2: Empuraan''
Kochi (PTI): The Kerala High Court on Tuesday declined to issue any interim order putting on hold the screening of Malayalam film 'L2: Empuraan' starring superstar Mohanlal.
Justice C S Dias ordered to issue notice to the Centre and the Censor Board seeking their stand on the plea by Thrissur-native V V Vijeesh who has claimed that continuing to show the movie poses a risk of inciting communal violence and disturbing public order.
It listed the matter for hearing after the vacation.
The court also questioned whether the petition was filed in publicity interest by the petitioner.
During the brief hearing of the matter, the court also asked what was the problem when the Censor Board had certified the film for public viewing.
It also expressed doubts about the petitioner's intention behind filing the plea.
It also pointed out that no case was filed anywhere against the movie.
The state government said that no case has been lodged against the film in Kerala.
Meanwhile, Antony Perumbavoor, one of the producers of the film, earlier in the day announced that the movie has undergone cuts to remove scenes of little over two minutes.
He said the decision to carry out the edit was a joint one of all the producers and actors, including Mohanlal and Prithviraj Sukumaran, and it was not out of fear of anyone.
The movie has faced intense criticism from the Sangh Parivar with regard to some portions of the film.
'L2: Empuraan', the second part of the 'Lucifer' movie, a trilogy planned by the Prithviraj-Mohanlal team, has become a topic of hot debate over its critique of right-wing politics and the covert mention of the Gujarat riots.
On March 27, the day of the movie's release, the Sangh Parivar vehemently criticised the film on social media, while the Congress and Left platforms celebrated the film for portraying the right-wing politics as "villainous".
