Watch Teams May Be Set Up Across Karnataka to Monitor Food Safety and Fake Medicines: U T Khader

Mangaluru: The Karnataka government is considering the formation of dedicated Watch Teams at the district and taluk levels to monitor food safety violations and the circulation of counterfeit medicines, Health and Family Welfare Minister U T Khader said on Saturday.

Speaking to reporters in Mangaluru, Khader said the government has introduced a QR code to make it easier for the public to report complaints related to unsafe food and fake medicines. Instructions will also be issued to hotels and medical stores to display the QR code prominently at their premises.

The initiative has already received a strong response, with more than 400 complaints reportedly being registered within two days of the QR code being introduced. Food safety officials are visiting the locations mentioned in the complaints and carrying out inspections, the minister said.

Khader explained that existing officials can handle inspections within their respective jurisdictions. However, he said a wider monitoring mechanism is needed along with continuous public awareness.

The government is therefore considering forming Watch Teams comprising retired government officials, retired professors, subject experts and senior citizens interested in social service. The teams could be given specific powers to assist in monitoring and reporting violations. A decision will be taken after examining the relevant legal provisions, he said.

On counterfeit medicines, Khader said the network involved in their manufacture and distribution could extend beyond Karnataka. There is a possibility that fake medicines manufactured in other states may be transported into Karnataka, he said.

Referring to the counterfeit medicine manufacturing racket recently detected near Bidadi, the minister said a Special Investigation Team has been formed to conduct a detailed investigation into the matter.