Milk brought into Karnataka from neighbouring States is being tested to ensure that it meets food safety standards and does not pose a risk to public health, Health Minister U.T. Khader said on Saturday (June 20).
Responding to questions from reporters on the Food Safety Department’s inspection of milk consignments at border points, Mr. Khader said the exercise was aimed at safeguarding consumers and ensuring quality standards.
“When sufficient quantities of Nandini milk are available in the State, some traders are bringing milk from Tamil Nadu. It is our responsibility to verify whether the milk entering Karnataka meets the required quality standards. I have instructed officials to carry out inspections,” he said.
The Minister said testing milk from outside the State was currently a priority for the department. “Generally, milk produced by organised dairies is less likely to contain substances harmful to public health. However, quality checks are necessary to ensure consumer safety,” he said.
Mr. Khader said legal action would be initiated if tests revealed the presence of substances that could be harmful to human health.
Replying to a question on inspections of Jan Aushadhi outlets, the Minister said officials routinely monitored the quality of medicines sold through such stores.
“This is just an inspection. Any shortcomings found will be rectified. Stores operating under the Jan Aushadhi name should not sell branded medicines in violation of the scheme’s norms. If everything is in order, there is no reason for shop owners to be concerned,” he said.
The Minister also said the department would continue inspections relating to food quality and the use of artificial colours in food products.
“If chemicals harmful to public health are found to have been used in food items, action will be taken against those responsible,” he added.
Published - June 20, 2026 09:17 pm IST
Source: The Hindu - India News
