1 week Ago By Nikita Jha
Bangalore: As the sun scorches and temperatures soar, most of us grab a chilled bottle of water without a second thought. It’s our go-to for instant hydration-clean, safe, and refreshing. But what if that trusted bottle isn't safe? According to a TOI report, in a recent campaign conducted by the Food Safety and Drugs Administration, 72 per cent of bottled water samples collected from across the state have failed safety tests.
Of the 296 bottled water samples collected in February, 255 have been tested so far. Out of these, only 72 were found to be safe, while 95 were deemed unsafe and 88 failed to meet quality standards based on microbiological and chemical analysis. Also Read: Water Crisis In Bengaluru? BWSSB Plans These Measures To Meet City's Summer Needs According to Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, the tests detected chemical contaminants such as pesticide residues, fluoride, and excess calcium in several samples.
A vast majority-about 99 percent-of the substandard and unsafe samples were traced back to local brands. Legal samples have been collected to initiate action against the violators, and officials have raised serious concerns about the overall safety of bottled water in its current state. Moreover, nearly half of Karnataka’s local ice cream, ice candy, and cool drink manufacturing units have come under scrutiny for selling substandard products prepared under unhygienic conditions.
A recent inspection by the Food Safety and Drug Administration Department (FDA) revealed widespread violations across the state. As per a New Indian Express report, out of 220 shops inspected, 97 were issued formal notices, while several others received warnings for failing to maintain proper storage and hygiene standards. Inspections revealed alarming practices such as the use of detergent powder in ice creams to achieve a creamy texture and phosphoric acid in cool drinks to enhance fizz, a chemical known to have harmful effects on bone health.
A total fine of Rs 38,000 has been imposed on erring units. Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from Bengaluru and around the world..
