Karnataka Inspects Packaged Water Units, Shuts Establishments

The Karnataka Health and Family Welfare Department conducted a statewide inspection drive on 29 and 30 October 2026, targeting packaged drinking water units. The Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA) inspected 102 units, collected 69 water samples for government laboratory testing and issued notices to 53 food business operators.

Inspection findings and action

Officials found unhygienic production, missing or invalid Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) licences, absent water-quality analysis reports and labelling violations. Some units lacked pest-control certificates, while food-handling staff did not have required medical certificates.

Closure totals vary across accounts: one reports 12 units shut statewide, while other reports give seven; the detailed account records eight closures on 30 October. Named establishments included SMR Aqua Minerals, S.P. Food and Beverages, Avanti Industries, Om Shakthi Minerals, Aqua Refresh, Nandi Food and Beverages, Sai Ram Food Beverages, Dalia Beverages, Shri Devi Enterprises, Shri Durga Enterprises, Chiranthan Food and Beverages and M.S. Food and Beverages. Aqua Refresh was cited for non-cooperation with inspectors.

Officials seized 82 cases of one-litre bottles, valued at ₹7,380, from M.S. Food and Beverages in Devanahalli for labelling violations. Health Minister U.T. Khader said units failing laboratory tests would face action under the Food Safety and Standards Act, and that inspections would continue across Karnataka. Consumers were advised to check the FSSAI licence number, ISI mark, manufacturing date and seal, and report violations through the department’s QR code.

Important Facts for Exams

• Law consolidation: The Food Safety and Standards Act brought seven earlier food-safety laws under one statutory framework.
• Inspection powers: Food Safety Officers may enter and inspect commercial food premises and collect samples for analysis by a Food Analyst.