Karnataka Brings AYUSH Medicines, Testing Labs Under FSDA Oversight

Quick Summary

• The Karnataka State Health Department has merged the Drugs Control Department wiht the Food Safety Authority and placed AYUSH medicines/testing labs under FSDA oversight to ensure quality standards.
• Substandard drugs will now be recalled within two days, as opposed to 30 days earlier. This decision aims to reduce health risks from NSQ (Not of Standard Quality) medicines.
• In June 2025, ₹40.48 lakh worth of NSQ drugs were recalled across Karnataka.
• In July, 1,433 drug samples were tested; 67 deemed substandard, leading to the filing of 29 cases by FSDA.
• A special enforcement drive conducted in late June inspected 279 establishments; issued 231 show-cause notices and collected spot fines for violations.
• Blood center applications and Recognised medical Institution (RMI) certificates are now processed exclusively online through ONDLS Portal platforms.
• Inspections on street food vendors revealed safety violations in numerous eateries statewide. A total of ₹44,500 collected as fines from violators; synthetic food colour use found at Empire Restaurant chain in chicken kebabs was flagged unsafe for consumption but corrected after intervention.

Indian Opinion Analysis

This regulatory overhaul reflects a focused effort by the Karnataka Health Department to enhance public health safety through stricter governance over pharmaceutical products and food safety standards. By reducing substandard drug recall times significantly-from a month to two days-the initiative showcases prioritization of consumer protection against potential health risks posed by poor-quality medications.Bringing AYUSH medicines under FSDA oversight is a proactive move that recognizes the increasing reliance on choice medicine while emphasizing quality assurance amid its growing consumer base. Online facilitation initiatives via ONDLS could further streamline regulatory compliance processes.

The targeted inspection drives-addressing both pharmacies and street-level vendors-indicate a robust push for enforcement but also highlight significant compliance gaps within local industries like eateries using banned substances such as artificial food colors marked “unsafe.” As public awareness grows alongside institutional transparency efforts, consumers may play an active role in ensuring widespread adherence across sectors.

For read more: Original Article