Karnataka Health and Family Welfare Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao shared alarming findings from a recent study on bottled water quality in Karnataka, saying that nearly two-thirds of the samples collected were deemed unsafe for consumption. Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, April 8, the Minister disclosed that out of 296 samples collected during a special campaign in February 2025, an analysis of 255 samples showed that 95 were found unsafe and an additional 88 were of substandard quality. Only 72 samples (28%) met safety standards.
Dinesh Gundu Rao said that the State’s Food Safety and Drug Administration would initiate legal action against companies supplying poor-quality water based on survey samples collected. He said that chemical contaminants such as pesticide residues, fluoride, and elevated levels of total dissolved solids like calcium and magnesium were prevalent in the unsafe samples. “While national-level brands generally maintained higher standards, most of the problematic samples were sourced from local manufacturers,” he said.
The Minister addressed concerns over the quality of fried green peas, reporting that 70% of the 115 samples tested were found unsafe due to the presence of artificial colours. Only 46 samples were deemed safe for consumption.
In response to queries about food safety in hotels and restaurants, the Health Minister said that 590 establishments were inspected for pest control measures, leading to notices being issued to 214 hotels and restaurants for non-compliance. Eleven establishments faced fines totalling Rs 1.15 lakh.