Karnataka Cracks Down on Unsafe Drugs and Food: Over ₹40 Lakh Worth of Substandard Medicines Seized

Karnataka Health Minister Outlines Stringent Measures for Drug and Food Safety Across the State

Laboratory testing intensified, unfit drugs and food samples recalled, notices served across sectors

Bengaluru, August 5, 2025 – In a comprehensive press briefing, the Karnataka Health Minister announced a series of sweeping actions and updates by the Department of Drug Control and the Food Safety Division aimed at ensuring the quality and safety of drugs, traditional medicines, and food products across the state. The efforts include intensified inspections, legal action, swift recalls, and expanded online services.

Drug Control Measures Strengthened; AYUSH Drug Lab Integrated Under FDA

In a key administrative move, the Ayurvedic, Siddha, and Unani (ASU) Drugs Enforcement Wing and the existing AYUSH Drug Testing Laboratory in Bengaluru have now been merged under the Drug Control Division of the Food Safety and Drug Administration (FDA). “This integration aims to streamline all regulatory operations under the Commissioner, FDA,” the Health Minister stated.

Drug Sample Testing Reveals Substandard Medicines

During July 2025, a total of 1,433 drug samples were analyzed at state labs in Bengaluru, Hubballi, and Ballari. Of these, 1,366 were found to be of standard quality, while 59 were declared substandard.

Responding to these findings, the department took decisive action. “In cases where substandard drugs were identified, we have ensured their removal from the market within just two days—a significant improvement from the earlier 30-day timeline,” the Minister said. Drugs worth ₹40.48 lakh were seized and recalled across Karnataka.

Licensing and Services Under Sakala Streamlined Online

The department processed 1,686 applications in July alone under 26 drug administration services covered by the Sakala scheme. Out of these, 905 applications have already been resolved.

Additionally, online systems have been enhanced:

• Blood bank licenses are now being issued through the ONDLS portal.

• A dedicated online platform has been developed to issue RMI (Recognized Medical Institution) certificates to institutions requiring narcotic drugs for treatment.

Crackdown on Illegal Drug Practices and Narcotics Misuse

Enforcement officials conducted 279 special inspections on June 24 and 25 to curb misuse of narcotic substances. This resulted in the issuance of 231 show-cause notices and implementation orders served to 15 drug stores for regulatory violations.

In July 2025, 29 legal cases were filed against institutions violating the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and its rules.

Food Safety Oversight Tightened Across the State

The Food Safety Division collected 3,489 food samples in July, of which 17 were found unsafe and 18 substandard. Robust inspections were carried out across various sectors:

Street Vendors

• 1,557 roadside food vendors were inspected.

• 406 units received violation notices.

• Spot fines totaling ₹44,500 were imposed.

• 1,240 vendors were trained in hygiene and food safety practices, and 866 were issued free registrations.

Bus Stations

• 889 food outlets across 186 bus terminals were inspected.

• 206 outlets were issued notices, and ₹55,000 in fines were levied.

• 99 samples were sent for laboratory testing; analysis is underway.

Anganwadi Centres

• 603 centres were inspected.

• 545 food samples were collected and are under analysis.

• 1,263 centres were granted free registration.

Hotels and Restaurants

• 736 establishments were inspected.

• 190 notices were served for hygiene violations.

• ₹21,500 in penalties were collected.

• 291 drinking water samples were also collected for testing.

High-Risk Food Enterprises

• 1,685 high-risk food businesses were inspected.

• 465 units received notices due to irregularities.

Milk and Oil Testing

• 175 milk samples were collected; 4 were substandard, 69 safe, and the rest under analysis.

• A special milk testing campaign is scheduled for August 2025.

• A virtual session was conducted with Karnataka Oil Federation, edible oil manufacturers, and FSSAI RUCO agencies regarding labelling, hygiene audits, and used cooking oil collection for biodiesel production.

Legal Action Against Food Adulteration

Legal proceedings are being initiated based on food sample test results. Notably, in Bengaluru, six kabab samples from Empire Hotels were found to contain artificial coloring agents and declared unsafe. The department has issued notices and is preparing to file court cases against the violators.

Commitment to Public Health and Safety

The Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to public health: “We are strengthening our enforcement, enhancing lab infrastructure, and reducing response time to protect citizens from the dangers of substandard drugs and unsafe food.”

As part of ongoing reforms, the department will continue legal, administrative, and field-level interventions to ensure compliance with national standards across the pharmaceutical and food industries.