Food safety drive fines two sweet vendors ₹7,000, seizes 30 kg khova

Food safety officials fined two sweet vendors ₹7,000 and seized 30 kg of misbranded khova during a three‑day inspection drive in Karnataka. The Food Safety Wing of the Department of Food Safety and Drug Administration inspected 100 sweet‑manufacturing units and retail outlets on Saturday, the third day of the drive. Over the three days, a total of 286 units were covered and 383 food samples were collected for laboratory testing. On Saturday, officials collected 113 samples and issued notices to 15 food business operators for violations. In total, notices were served on 40 units and operators. Inspectors found unhygienic conditions in preparation and storage areas, missing medical certificates for staff handling food, and labeling defects. Two operators were fined a combined ₹7,000 for breaches. Police also seized 30 kg of khova that was labeled incorrectly. The department said inspections will continue at any unit that fails to meet standards and legal action will follow under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and the 2011 licensing regulations. ## Context The drive was timed before the festive season, a period when demand for sweets rises sharply, prompting stricter checks to protect public health.