Kinkini Gupta
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Written By: Kinkini Gupta | Updated : April 1, 2025 8:11 PM IST
Ice Creams And Cold Drinks Unfit For Consumption, FDA Flags Use Of Detergent And Phosphoric Acid
The Food Safety and Drug Administration (FDA) has flagged at least 97 out of 220 shops for unhygienic food and issued notices because of failure to maintain proper storage conditions. In recent news report, at least half of Karnataka's local ice cream, ice candy and cold drink manufacturing units were found to mix detergent with ice cream and phosphoric acid in drinks. The FDA flagged all these outlets for selling substandard products under very poor hygienic conditions.
Other shops too have been given warnings for failure to adhere to proper food storage guidelines. One of the senior offical from the FDA said to the media, "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 department official said, adding that the department imposed a total fine of Rs 38,000.
The inspection was conducted by the food safety department for two days especially to assess the quality and preparation methods of food commonly consumed by children. They thoroughly examined all local manufacturing units involved in producing ice creams and soft drinks.
The thorough examination revealed the existence of poorly manufactured storage facilities at many locations, usage of synthetic milk made from detergent, urea, or starch to cut costs. Instead of natural sugar, harmful additives like saccharin and non-permitted dyes were being used to enhance taste and colour.
Officials also highlighted that many units were using contaminated or non-potable water in ice candies and cold drinks, or adding flavoring agents in amounts well above the allowed limits. They further noted that the flavors, essences, and colorants used in these products are often sourced from unapproved or unrecognized suppliers.
The department also conducted inspections at 590 restaurants, messes, and hotels. Officials discovered that 214 hotels were lacking proper pest control measures, leading to a fine of Rs 1,15,000 being imposed.
