FSDA probes find unsafe chemicals in Belagavi jaggery units, issues warnings

The Food and Drug Administration (FSDA) conducted inspections of 'khandsari' (backyard jaggery units) across Belagavi district between January and September 2026 and discovered that certain units were employing potentially harmful or unsafe chemicals for human consumption. The investigation, led by FSDA officer Shravan Nayk and supported by food safety officers H.S.

Harish and Lokesh Ganur, found at least 15 units utilizing unsafe chemicals. The culprit dyes included sunset yellow, tartrazine, carmoisine, and others, which were found after officers collected samples and sent them to the FSDA laboratory.

The Belagavi district is home to approximately 1,100 khandsari units in its 14 taluks. According to Mr. Nayk, officers found that some manufacturers used these chemicals to impart a dark brown color to the jaggery. He stated that "Sugarcane is cultivated on over 4 lakh hectares in the district. While most of the farmers send the sugarcane they grow to sugar mills, the rest prepare and sell jaggery in their own backyard or khandsari units.

We hope the notices and warnings help the makers realize the dangers of using chemicals. We hope they mend their ways in the future."

Mr. Harish warned that "Mixing such dyes with jaggery can be dangerous. They can cause liver and kidney problems and adversely affect those with pre-existing conditions like diabetes. Cases are being registered against those who violated the rules. Further investigation is on." Mr. Ganur added that another round of inspections would commence with the next crushing period during the festive season.

Organic jaggery maker Prakash Kulkarni from Honnihal village complained that not only were chemicals used but also sugar syrup was being added to jaggery blocks, reducing production cost and quality. "However, the State government is not acting against such practices," he lamented.