The government has swiftly recalled affected products and issued notices. The FSDA has also launched software to track substandard items, ensuring timely recalls and protecting consumers from harmful products
Published Apr 08, 2025 | 9:11 PM ⚊ Updated Apr 08, 2025 | 9:11 PM
Substandard drinking water bottles identified in Karnataka(Creative Commons)
Synopsis: The Karnataka Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA) recently revealed concerning results from an analysis of 296 bottled water samples conducted in February and March 2025. Among the findings, 72 samples were deemed safe, while 95 were unsafe and 88 substandard. Several brands were flagged for unsafe levels of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), magnesium, calcium, and iron, posing health risks
In a significant move to ensure public health and safety, the Karnataka Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA) has revealed alarming findings regarding the quality of drinking water bottles in the state.
After a recent analysis conducted in February and March 2025, a number of substandard and unsafe bottled water brands were identified. The analysis involved 296 drinking water bottle samples, of which 72 were found safe, 95 unsafe, and 88 substandard.
Out of the 111 water brands analysed, several were flagged for unsafe levels of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), and iron (Fe).
Among the districts affected, Tumkur, Belagavi, and Haveri were the most prominent, with brands such as “Matha Signature,” “Surabhi Dew,” and “Ice-Blue” being labeled as both unsafe and substandard.
Other brands like “Vivaan Signature” and “Royal 9” were also found to have high levels of TDS and other chemicals, posing potential health risks to consumers.
These brands have been flagged for issues such as high Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), and iron (Fe) levels, which could pose serious health risks.
The government has taken swift action, issuing notices and recalling affected products from the market.
To further strengthen enforcement, the FSDA has launched a software initiative to track the movement of substandard drugs and food products, including bottled water, to ensure timely recalls and prevent consumer exposure to harmful products.
This initiative is part of a broader effort by the FSDA to safeguard public health by monitoring food and drug quality across Karnataka.
In addition to the water samples, the department also analysed other food items such as ghee, paneer, and khova, with similar measures taken against unsafe products.
Karnataka’s efforts are in line with national regulations and reflect a growing commitment to upholding food and drug safety standards. This latest crackdown on substandard bottled water serves as a reminder of the ongoing vigilance needed to protect consumers.
(Edited by Ananya Rao)
