Karnataka FSSAI Raids Target Sweet Shops and Bakeries, Food Worth Rs 5.99 Lakh Seized

Food safety officials have intensified inspections of sweet shops, bakeries and food manufacturing units across Karnataka. The latest operation covered Bengaluru and several other districts, where officials found expired products, poor quality ingredients and violations of food safety requirements.

During the coordinated inspections, authorities seized food products valued at around Rs 5.99 lakh. The action was carried out by officials from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India along with FDA personnel as part of efforts to check the quality and hygiene practices followed by food businesses.

Officials reportedly visited 16 food production units during the operation. Several establishments were found operating in unhygienic conditions, raising concerns about the way sweets, bakery products and other food items were being prepared.

A number of products were taken into custody during the inspections. These included five litres of expired Nandini curd, six kilograms of poor quality khoa, ten kilograms of chocolate flavour and five kilograms of rasgulla.

Authorities also found chocolates and cake decoration ingredients carrying improper labelling. Around 60 kilograms of banana chips and chakli masala were reportedly found with incorrect branding details.

The inspection also uncovered larger quantities of ready to eat savoury products and sweets. Officials seized about 360 kilograms of ready to eat savouries and 196 kilograms of son papdi. Four kilograms of cocoa powder and 4.5 kilograms of cracked cocoa pieces were also among the products found during the operation.

The department has collected 16 food samples for detailed testing. Samples including cooking oil, reused cooking oil, jaggery, peanuts, jalebi, khoa and tea powder have been sent to laboratories to determine their quality and check for possible adulteration.

Officials said further action will depend on the laboratory results. If adulteration or other serious violations are confirmed, the concerned food business operators could face legal proceedings under the applicable food safety regulations.

The inspections also highlighted concerns over basic cleanliness at some of the establishments. Officials found that certain units were preparing food in conditions that did not meet expected hygiene standards.

Food safety authorities have warned food business operators against ignoring mandatory safety and hygiene requirements. The department is expected to continue inspections to ensure that products sold to consumers meet prescribed quality standards.

For consumers, the operation is another reminder to check packaging, labels, expiry dates and the condition of food products before purchasing them. Authorities have also stressed that businesses involved in preparing and selling food must maintain proper hygiene and follow food safety rules at every stage.