Karnataka to host national food safety conclave in October

Karnataka will host a national-level conference of food safety officers and commissioners in October, Health Minister U T Khader announced on Wednesday. Speaking at an interactive session organised by the Bangalore Chamber of Industry and Commerce, Khader said the conference aims to discuss enforcement gaps, share best practices, and streamline the country's food safety framework. Recommendations for the central government will also be considered.

Khader also outlined plans for a high-quality drug testing laboratory in Karnataka, random sampling from hospitals and pharmacies, and a proposal to cut intermediaries in hospital drug procurement. He cited the ongoing Bidadi spurious drug racket investigation and a similar pattern in Belagavi as reasons for restructuring the supply chain. The Times of India reports that the minister said the system could be streamlined like Uttar Pradesh's model, potentially reducing costs by cutting commissions.

The minister added that food safety efforts will expand to street food vendors, focusing on hygiene and safe cooking oil use, and that the government is exploring mechanisms to collect used cooking oil for biodiesel. A dietary guidance programme for pregnant women is also planned. Further action on the proposed drug procurement changes will follow the national conclave in October.