State food safety officials crack down on packaged water units across region

Food safety authorities have intensified their oversight of the packaged drinking water sector, conducting inspections at 45 manufacturing units across the state. The compliance drive resulted in notices being issued to 24 operators for violations of food safety regulations.

As part of the inspection initiative, officials collected 32 water samples from various units for laboratory testing to verify quality standards and safety parameters. Authorities seized misbranded packaged water products at facilities in Mysuru and Davangere districts, indicating concerns over labeling violations and potential consumer deception.

One manufacturing unit in Mulbagal was temporarily shut down during the campaign, though specific reasons for the closure were not immediately disclosed. The action reflects growing regulatory scrutiny of the packaged water industry, which has faced criticism over product quality and adherence to labeling requirements.

The inspections are part of broader efforts by state food safety departments to ensure compliance with the Food Safety and Standards Act. Officials have indicated that further action will be taken based on results from pending water sample analyses and ongoing investigations into violations identified during the state-wide inspection drive.