K'taka health dept cracks down on pharmacies selling drugs sans prescription, vendors using colour in food

Bengaluru: The Health and Family Welfare Department conducted drives against pharmacies selling drugs such as sleeping tablets, antibiotics without a prescription.

Among the 279 special inspections conducted, 231 pharmacies were issued show-cause notices and action notices were served to 15 pharmacies, said Dinesh Gundu Rao, Minister for Health and Family Welfare.

Speaking at the press conference in Bengaluru on Monday, Rao said, “In July 2025, substandard drugs worth Rs 40 lakh were recalled and seized across the state in Not of Standard Quality (NSQ) cases.”

The department has failed a total of 29 legal cases in Courts during July 2025 against institutions that violated the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, and its associated rules. The NSQ cases drugs are now withdrawn in three days instead of the earlier timeline of 30 days.

Additionally on July 30, a virtual consultation was held with cooking oil manufacturers, Karnataka Oil Federation officials, and FSSAI’s RUCO-registered agencies regarding trans fat levels, labeling requirements, hygiene audits, and the collection of Used Cooking Oil (UCO) for biodiesel production. Manufacturers were advised to periodically send oil samples for lab testing.

To reduce the health risks associated with street foods, Rao said, “Hygiene and quality training was provided to 1,240 street food vendors. Additionally, 866 street vending units were issued free registration. We will train more vendors in the coming days.”

The department has also taken food samples from Anganwadi and the results are awaited.

Online Services

Recognised Medical Institutions (RMIs) are now issued certificates digitally to access necessary narcotic drugs. Also, blood banks are now being granted licenses exclusively through online mode on ONDLS Portal.

Notices served

In Bengaluru, six kebab samples collected from Empire Hotels were found to contain artificial coloring agents and declared unsafe. Notices have been served to the business operators for initiating legal action and filing court cases. They have already implemented the changes. “However, the people also need to be aware of the kind of food they are consuming outside and take necessary precautions,” said Rao.