Nov 2, 2013
Shakti, Modern, Mughal Darbar face closure for selling ‘unhygenic’ products
The action was taken following complaints by consumers and some NGOs that these outlets were selling low quality and unhygienic food to people in the city.
SRINAGAR — The Srinagar Municipal Corporation has served notices to four popular food joints in summer capital Srinagar for poor sanitation and selling unhygienic products.
The notices have been issued to Shakti Sweets, Modern Sweets and Hollywood Bakery, all located on Residency Road in Srinagar, and Mughal Darbar outlet of Karan Nagar. Dr Shafqat Khan, the health officer of the corporation directed the owners of these joints to improve their sanitary conditions within seven days failing which action might be taken against them which includes sealing of their premises.
“If these food establishments don’t abide by the law, action will be taken against them under Food Safety Standard Act 2006 which involved a fine of one lakh rupees or imprisonment including sealing of their premises,” he told Srinagar based KNS news agency.
The action was taken following complaints by consumers and some NGOs that these outlets were selling low quality and unhygienic food to people in the city. The public health wing of SMC is conducting a food safety audit in the city based on cleanliness and hygiene in food establishments, pest and rodent control, uniform and other related for workers, and medical and health fitness of the employees working in the food joints.
“We are inspecting hygienic condition of the premises and educating the food operators regarding the Food Safety Act. Whenever we have pointed out problems, owners of eateries have assured us that they will take corrective steps. But this time, we have served notices to these food joints and if they fail to comply with our directions within a week, they may face closure of their establishments,” Dr Khan told.
SRINAGAR — The Srinagar Municipal Corporation has served notices to four popular food joints in summer capital Srinagar for poor sanitation and selling unhygienic products.
The notices have been issued to Shakti Sweets, Modern Sweets and Hollywood Bakery, all located on Residency Road in Srinagar, and Mughal Darbar outlet of Karan Nagar. Dr Shafqat Khan, the health officer of the corporation directed the owners of these joints to improve their sanitary conditions within seven days failing which action might be taken against them which includes sealing of their premises.
“If these food establishments don’t abide by the law, action will be taken against them under Food Safety Standard Act 2006 which involved a fine of one lakh rupees or imprisonment including sealing of their premises,” he told Srinagar based KNS news agency.
The action was taken following complaints by consumers and some NGOs that these outlets were selling low quality and unhygienic food to people in the city. The public health wing of SMC is conducting a food safety audit in the city based on cleanliness and hygiene in food establishments, pest and rodent control, uniform and other related for workers, and medical and health fitness of the employees working in the food joints.
“We are inspecting hygienic condition of the premises and educating the food operators regarding the Food Safety Act. Whenever we have pointed out problems, owners of eateries have assured us that they will take corrective steps. But this time, we have served notices to these food joints and if they fail to comply with our directions within a week, they may face closure of their establishments,” Dr Khan told.
Notice issued to four top food joints
The Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) has served notices to four popular food joints in the city for poor sanitation in and round their premises and the hygiene of their workers who serve the food.
Sources in the corporation said that taking an exception to the poor sanitation and hygiene in and round the food establishments in the city, Dr Shafqat Khan, the health officer of the corporation shot notices directing the owners of these food joints to improve their sanitary conditions within seven days or else action under the relevant provision of Food Safety Standard Act 2006 action shall be initiated against them.
Dr Khan when asked about the possible action in case of non compliance of corporation’s warning, said: “If these food establishments don’t abide by the law, action will be taken against them which means a fine of Rs. 1.00 lac or imprisonment including sealing of their premises.”
He said so far notices have been issued to Shakti Sweets (Residency Road Srinagar), Mughal Darbar Karanagar, Modern Sweets (Residency Road) and Hollywood Bakery (Residency Road).
It may be mentioned that workers at the food premises who come under direct contact with food have to demonstrate “fitness for work” certificate following concern shown by the many NGOs and government agencies that people are getting low quality and unhygienic food in the city.
Dr Khan said serving notices is a part of the already ongoing food safety audit which the public health wing of the SMC is conducting in the city. This programme, he informed is based on main four points which include cleanliness and hygiene in food establishments, pest and rodent control, uniform and other related for workers and medical and health fitness of the employees working in the food joints.
“We are inspecting hygienic condition of the premises but educating the food operators regarding the Food Safety Act is also necessary. Whenever we have pointed out the problems, owners of eateries have been assuring us that they will take steps. But this time, we have served notices to these food joints and if they fail to comply with our directions within a week, they may face closure of their establishments,” Dr Khan said.
He said it had been decided to ban the issuance or renewal of the licenses without production of the fitness certificate to ensure that these food sellers, regardless of the safety precautions they take at work, undergo mandatory medical examination.
Sources in the corporation said that taking an exception to the poor sanitation and hygiene in and round the food establishments in the city, Dr Shafqat Khan, the health officer of the corporation shot notices directing the owners of these food joints to improve their sanitary conditions within seven days or else action under the relevant provision of Food Safety Standard Act 2006 action shall be initiated against them.
Dr Khan when asked about the possible action in case of non compliance of corporation’s warning, said: “If these food establishments don’t abide by the law, action will be taken against them which means a fine of Rs. 1.00 lac or imprisonment including sealing of their premises.”
He said so far notices have been issued to Shakti Sweets (Residency Road Srinagar), Mughal Darbar Karanagar, Modern Sweets (Residency Road) and Hollywood Bakery (Residency Road).
It may be mentioned that workers at the food premises who come under direct contact with food have to demonstrate “fitness for work” certificate following concern shown by the many NGOs and government agencies that people are getting low quality and unhygienic food in the city.
Dr Khan said serving notices is a part of the already ongoing food safety audit which the public health wing of the SMC is conducting in the city. This programme, he informed is based on main four points which include cleanliness and hygiene in food establishments, pest and rodent control, uniform and other related for workers and medical and health fitness of the employees working in the food joints.
“We are inspecting hygienic condition of the premises but educating the food operators regarding the Food Safety Act is also necessary. Whenever we have pointed out the problems, owners of eateries have been assuring us that they will take steps. But this time, we have served notices to these food joints and if they fail to comply with our directions within a week, they may face closure of their establishments,” Dr Khan said.
He said it had been decided to ban the issuance or renewal of the licenses without production of the fitness certificate to ensure that these food sellers, regardless of the safety precautions they take at work, undergo mandatory medical examination.
4 food joints served notices for poor hygiene; may face closure
Srinagar, Nov 1 (KNS): The Public Health Wing of Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) has served notices to four popular food establishments in the city for poor sanitation in and round their premises and the hygiene of their workers who serve the food.
Sources in the corporation said that taking a strong exception to the poor sanitation and hygiene in and round the food establishments in the city, Dr Shafqat Khan, the health officer of the corporation shot notices directing the owners of these food joints to improve their sanitary conditions within seven days or else action under the relevant provision of Food Safety Standard Act 2006 shall be initiated against them.
Talking to Kashmir News Service, Dr Khan when asked about the possible action in case of non compliance of Corporation’s warning, said: “If these food establishments don’t abide by the law, the action will be taken against them which means a fine of Rs. 1.00 lac or imprisonment including sealing of their premises.”
He informed KNS, that sofar notices have been issued to Shakti Sweets (Residency Road Srinagar), Mughal Darbar Karanagar, Modern Sweets (Residency Road) and Hollywood Bakery (Residency Road).
It may be mentioned that workers at the food premises who come under direct contact with food have to demonstrate “fitness for work” certificate following concern shown by the many NGOs and government agencies that people are getting low quality and unhygienic food in the city.
Dr Khan told KNS that serving notices is a part of the already ongoing food safety audit which the public health wing of the SMC is conducting in the city. This programme, he informed is based on main four points which include cleanliness and hygiene in food establishments, pest and rodent control, uniform and other related for workers and medical and health fitness of the employees working in the food joints.
“We are inspecting hygienic condition of the premises but educating the food operators regarding the Food Safety Act is also necessary. Whenever we have pointed out the problems, owners of eateries have been assuring us that they will take steps. But this time, we have served notices to these food joints and if they fail to comply with our directions within a week, they may face closure of their establishments,” Dr Khan told KNS.
He said it had been decided to ban the issuance or renewal of the licenses without production of the fitness certificate to ensure that these food sellers, regardless of the safety precautions they take at work, undergo mandatory medical examination.
Sources in the corporation said that taking a strong exception to the poor sanitation and hygiene in and round the food establishments in the city, Dr Shafqat Khan, the health officer of the corporation shot notices directing the owners of these food joints to improve their sanitary conditions within seven days or else action under the relevant provision of Food Safety Standard Act 2006 shall be initiated against them.
Talking to Kashmir News Service, Dr Khan when asked about the possible action in case of non compliance of Corporation’s warning, said: “If these food establishments don’t abide by the law, the action will be taken against them which means a fine of Rs. 1.00 lac or imprisonment including sealing of their premises.”
He informed KNS, that sofar notices have been issued to Shakti Sweets (Residency Road Srinagar), Mughal Darbar Karanagar, Modern Sweets (Residency Road) and Hollywood Bakery (Residency Road).
It may be mentioned that workers at the food premises who come under direct contact with food have to demonstrate “fitness for work” certificate following concern shown by the many NGOs and government agencies that people are getting low quality and unhygienic food in the city.
Dr Khan told KNS that serving notices is a part of the already ongoing food safety audit which the public health wing of the SMC is conducting in the city. This programme, he informed is based on main four points which include cleanliness and hygiene in food establishments, pest and rodent control, uniform and other related for workers and medical and health fitness of the employees working in the food joints.
“We are inspecting hygienic condition of the premises but educating the food operators regarding the Food Safety Act is also necessary. Whenever we have pointed out the problems, owners of eateries have been assuring us that they will take steps. But this time, we have served notices to these food joints and if they fail to comply with our directions within a week, they may face closure of their establishments,” Dr Khan told KNS.
He said it had been decided to ban the issuance or renewal of the licenses without production of the fitness certificate to ensure that these food sellers, regardless of the safety precautions they take at work, undergo mandatory medical examination.
Avoid fat in food to make Deepavali healthy
Amoga Laxmi Sukka/ Hyderabad: Cutting down on excess fats, preservatives and food color is the key for safe and healthy Deepavali, the nutrition experts say. They caution that many of the mouth-watering sweets available in the market during Deepavali may be adulterated and of substandard quality. “The bulk demand of sweets during festivals is one of the reasons for adulteration that can cause serious health hazards”, said Sujatha Stephen, the chief nutritionist at Global Hospitals.
"Silver and gold foils in sweets may look sparkling to the eyes but definitely not to the healthy body"
The unhygienic conditions in kitchens and usage of same oil repeatedly can lead to radical change in metabolism. “The ghee can be adulterated with mashed sweet potatoe or vanaspati which is generally not good for elderly people. The saturated fat in it may increase cholesterol levels causing ill health”, she said.The shelf-life of sweets can range between a few hours to a day, beyond the permissible limits it gives rise to fungus due to moisture and people do not notice as it is mixes with sweet color. Extreme care and precautions must be taken while preparing sweets and preserving it at right temperatures in sweet shops. The moisture levels present in the sweet box can change the nutritive and healthy values of it, the Nutritionist said.
Silver and gold foils in sweets may look pleasant and sparkling to the eyes but definitely not to your healthy body. According to the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, silver foil with a purity of 99.9% can be used in edible form. Aluminum foil is whitish grey in color and is readily soluble in concentrated hydrochloric acid while silver foil is not. Knowing this simple thing can avert unhealthy impact on body.
“The foils used in sweets within permissible limits directed by Food Standard Authority of India will be safe for consumption. The quality of foil differs a lot and it is not known if it is of standard or cheap quality that can affect primarily the children”, she cautioned.
Tests conducted by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have confirmed that the silver foil used for coating sweets is increasingly being adulterated with aluminium. Aluminium is a hazardous metal and accumulates in body tissues, especially in the bones. It can also enter the brain. During pregnancy it can cause damage to the placenta and foetus. People with disturbed metabolism cannot digest and give rise to gastro disturbances and bladder stones.
Given the skyrocketing prices of sugar, khoya and permissive colors, most of the small and middle range sweet shops are compromising on the quality of sweets. Balaji S, vendor of a sweet shop said that cost of colors that was Rs 150 per packet last year has increased to Rs 200.
The shops that are not licensed tend to use cheap colors to make sweets look colorful which is carcinogenic in nature and can affect brain, Stephen warned. For preserving sweets, manufacturers use formalin, a chemical used for preservation of corpses.
Consuming formalin-mixed products can even damage kidneys and liver. It can cause asthma attacks and cancer. Pregnant women are most vulnerable to this chemical and if consumed during pregnancy there are chances of delivering a physically challenged baby. Sweets made from fruit extracts and dry fruits pack is more nutritious and healthier than sweets. Dark chocolates are the perfect option as anything based with cocoa and dry fruit are bounced with micro minerals and energy, the Nutritionist said.
Silver and gold foils in sweets may look pleasant and sparkling to the eyes but definitely not to your healthy body. According to the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, silver foil with a purity of 99.9% can be used in edible form. Aluminum foil is whitish grey in color and is readily soluble in concentrated hydrochloric acid while silver foil is not. Knowing this simple thing can avert unhealthy impact on body.
“The foils used in sweets within permissible limits directed by Food Standard Authority of India will be safe for consumption. The quality of foil differs a lot and it is not known if it is of standard or cheap quality that can affect primarily the children”, she cautioned.
Tests conducted by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have confirmed that the silver foil used for coating sweets is increasingly being adulterated with aluminium. Aluminium is a hazardous metal and accumulates in body tissues, especially in the bones. It can also enter the brain. During pregnancy it can cause damage to the placenta and foetus. People with disturbed metabolism cannot digest and give rise to gastro disturbances and bladder stones.
Given the skyrocketing prices of sugar, khoya and permissive colors, most of the small and middle range sweet shops are compromising on the quality of sweets. Balaji S, vendor of a sweet shop said that cost of colors that was Rs 150 per packet last year has increased to Rs 200.
The shops that are not licensed tend to use cheap colors to make sweets look colorful which is carcinogenic in nature and can affect brain, Stephen warned. For preserving sweets, manufacturers use formalin, a chemical used for preservation of corpses.
Consuming formalin-mixed products can even damage kidneys and liver. It can cause asthma attacks and cancer. Pregnant women are most vulnerable to this chemical and if consumed during pregnancy there are chances of delivering a physically challenged baby. Sweets made from fruit extracts and dry fruits pack is more nutritious and healthier than sweets. Dark chocolates are the perfect option as anything based with cocoa and dry fruit are bounced with micro minerals and energy, the Nutritionist said.
Sweet shop vigil
A shop sells varieties of sweets in Ranchi on Friday
Creamy khoya or mawa may contain starch, mashed paper, urea, soda or even chalk powder. Kaju katli may have no cashews. Beaten silver varq or foil may have aluminium.
Sweets, the soul of festive sentiment, may be adulterated, National Consumer Helpline and state food and civil supplies department have warned.
And if you suspect the store from where you buy sweets is compromising on purity, don’t sit quiet with a bitter taste in your mouth.
National Consumer Helpline will register your complaints via phone on toll-free number 1800-11-4000 or SMSes with your name and city sent to 8800939717. You can also email your complaint to Raj Kumar Choudhary, deputy secretary of state food and civil supplies at food.secy@gmail.com.
“On Thursday, we alerted deputy commissioners of all districts and senior officials. A flying squad, which I personally head, will also check the validity of complaints and nab offenders,” Choudhary said.
Across all districts, deputy commissioners, subdivisional officers and district supply officers are on their toes to conduct food safety audits. Samples of adulterated sweets will be tested at Food Testing Laboratory, Namkum.
“If a complaint comes, we will depute the DC, food supply inspector and a team to raid the shop, seal it and collect samples of the alleged spurious edibles. The food inspector will send samples to the Namkum lab. If found adulterated, an FIR will be lodged at the respective thana and offending shop owners arrested. I’ll take personal interest in all cases,” Choudhary stressed.
He added health department officials and civil surgeons were also keeping close tabs on sweet shops.
According to Food Safety and Standards Act 2006, a person who sells adulterated food “not in compliance with the provisions of this Act or quality demanded by the purchaser”, can be penalised with a fine upto Rs 5 lakh” and “imprisonment of three months to life”.
“We won’t take chances with people’s health during Diwali,” said Ranchi DC Vinay Kumar Choubey.
Consumers have also become more aware. “I’m purchasing dry fruits and sugar-free sweets. We are also avoiding sweets with foil. All that glitters may not be silver,” said Tejawasi Singh, an Ashok Nagar based homemaker.
Sweet shop owners, however, are claiming to use pure khoya, mawa and milk.
JMC conducts checks against adulteration
Jammu, November 1
Continuing its drive against the menace of adulteration in view of forthcoming festival season, an extensive tour of the Food Safety Officers, under the supervision of Dr Vinod Sharma, Health Officer, JMC, was initiated today. Various sweet shops were inspected at places like Pacca Danga, Canal Road, Trikuta Nagar areas etc. Five samples of milk products and sweetmeat items were lifted from the shops within the limits of JMC and sent to Food Analysts, Public Health Laboratories, for ascertaining their standards of purity.
Continuing its drive against the menace of adulteration in view of forthcoming festival season, an extensive tour of the Food Safety Officers, under the supervision of Dr Vinod Sharma, Health Officer, JMC, was initiated today. Various sweet shops were inspected at places like Pacca Danga, Canal Road, Trikuta Nagar areas etc. Five samples of milk products and sweetmeat items were lifted from the shops within the limits of JMC and sent to Food Analysts, Public Health Laboratories, for ascertaining their standards of purity.
Officials said the drive would continue and the shopkeepers dealing with food items were strictly warned and directed to ensure supply of good quality of food to the general public, especially milk and milk products, under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Any work done outside the Act would be dealt with strictly under the law. The last date of applying for licensing under the new Act had been extended up to February 4, 2014, by the Government of India, they added.
Source of rancid meat yet to be found
Investigation into the source of 1000 kg of rancid meat seized from an abandoned shed in West Kochi is yet to gather pace.
A court here had denied bail to Kochukoya, the person arrested in the case.
Neither
the police nor the Food Safety Inspectors in the district have a clue
on the network of supply of the rancid meat that had been finding its
way into various hotels and bakeries as minced meat at a throwaway
price. It is believed that the meat came from Andhra Pradesh and Tamil
Nadu.
The police told
The Hindu
that there were rumours that a person from Andhra Pradesh connected to
the rotten meat supply will soon be surrendering before the court here.
A Food Safety inspector in the district told
the Hindu
that they had a strategy in place for inspection soon in a special drive.
The
Bakers Association of Kerala (BAKE) has sought strict intervention by
the Food Safety Commissioner in the case. The association had announced
prize money of Rs. one lakh to anyone who would provide information in
the case. The government had also announced a reward in the case, he
said.
Open FDA office in Navi Mumbai, traders demand
NAVI MUMBAI: Tired of having to commute to Thane's Wagle Estate office of Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to register their business, apply for licences or renew documents under the food safety rules , traders dealing in food and drug items are demanding an FDA office in the city.
Navi Mumbai has been a major contributor in terms of revenue collection due to the revenue generated by the APMC market. But FDA has failed to tap its major resource, feel traders, owing to absence of an office in the city. Currently, four FDA assistant commissioners (three of them from food and one from drug) are discharging their duties without a proper office address and 10 more food safety officers are struggling to find space in the city from where they could operate.
"An FDA office in a city having thousands of traders is the need of the hour. I have written to all concerned ministers and bureaucrats for setting up a separate FDA office in Navi Mumbai, but yet to receive a reply," said Manohar Totlani, a trader from APMC. "Without an FDA office here, we often skip the renewal dates and that invites a penalty and other charges," said another trader, Keshav Shetty.
Currently, Navi Mumbai is an important city in terms of volume of business, considering the presence of APMC, which supplies a number of staples to Mumbai, Thane and Raigad. Out of 10 FDA zones in Thane district, Navi Mumbai has three zones while its neighbouring Thane has only one.
While Thane is headed by an assistant commissioner, Navi Mumbai is covered by three for food related issues. One assistant commissioner has been assigned to the drugs wing.
All 14 officers are now being accommodated in the chaotic Thane office.
"The FDA wing is pursuing NMMC for allotment ofa 10,000 feet area in Vashi or Turbhe at a central location. Mayor Sagar Naik has assured to provide us with an appropriate place. We hope the ordeal of the 14 officers, who have to be in the city for work but go back daily to Thane to report, is resolved shortly. This will benefit the traders too," said S K Shere, joint commissioner , Konkan Division. When asked civic sources said "We have offered them a 4,000 square feet area in APMC for the time being."
Navi Mumbai has been a major contributor in terms of revenue collection due to the revenue generated by the APMC market. But FDA has failed to tap its major resource, feel traders, owing to absence of an office in the city. Currently, four FDA assistant commissioners (three of them from food and one from drug) are discharging their duties without a proper office address and 10 more food safety officers are struggling to find space in the city from where they could operate.
"An FDA office in a city having thousands of traders is the need of the hour. I have written to all concerned ministers and bureaucrats for setting up a separate FDA office in Navi Mumbai, but yet to receive a reply," said Manohar Totlani, a trader from APMC. "Without an FDA office here, we often skip the renewal dates and that invites a penalty and other charges," said another trader, Keshav Shetty.
Currently, Navi Mumbai is an important city in terms of volume of business, considering the presence of APMC, which supplies a number of staples to Mumbai, Thane and Raigad. Out of 10 FDA zones in Thane district, Navi Mumbai has three zones while its neighbouring Thane has only one.
While Thane is headed by an assistant commissioner, Navi Mumbai is covered by three for food related issues. One assistant commissioner has been assigned to the drugs wing.
All 14 officers are now being accommodated in the chaotic Thane office.
"The FDA wing is pursuing NMMC for allotment ofa 10,000 feet area in Vashi or Turbhe at a central location. Mayor Sagar Naik has assured to provide us with an appropriate place. We hope the ordeal of the 14 officers, who have to be in the city for work but go back daily to Thane to report, is resolved shortly. This will benefit the traders too," said S K Shere, joint commissioner , Konkan Division. When asked civic sources said "We have offered them a 4,000 square feet area in APMC for the time being."
Dispute over labelling norms: Imported chocolates rotting in warehouses across India this Diwali
Over 200 tonnes of imported gourmet chocolates from around the world, including brands such as Godiva, Guylian, Lindt and Mars, are rotting in dusty warehouses across Indian ports and airports.MUMBAI/NEW DELHI: Over 200 tonnes of imported gourmet chocolates from around the world, including brands such as Godiva, Guylian, Lindt and Mars, are rotting in dusty warehouses across Indian ports and airports.
The reason? A seemingly arcane dispute between an arm of India's health ministry and food importers on whether it is sufficient to affix a sticker on imported food consignments to comply with Indiaspecific labelling products — such as brown and green dots to separate vegetarian and non-vegetarian items as well as nutritional information, source and product origin.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority (FSSAI) — the regulatory agency under the health ministry that supervises import of food items to ensure quality — has blocked several consignments of packaged food, citing tougher labelling requirements arising from a new law, the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006 that came into force in 2011. The nub of the problem is FSSAI's insistence that pasting of stickers is not allowed. Instead, it wants details printed on the product pack before they are shipped to India.
Till now, "stickering" was the prevalent trade practice, resulting in the stand-off. Chocolates are not the only items failing to make it past Indian Customs. Shipments of artisinal cheese from France, crisps from the US, spicy Thai condiments and Italian pasta sauces have also been held up. While FSSAI argues its zerotolerance policy is based on law of the land, manufacturers and importers call these actions arbitrary and illegal.
Officials Refute Charges
They are challenging the authority's interpretation of the law. The EU mission in Delhi as well as the embassies of Belgium and Switzerland have been approached by some of the affected companies.
"It's not about one or two categories, FSSAI's interpretation of the regulations is hampering all kinds of food imports. These are perishable goods and many are even getting reexported. This has crippled trade. Close to 30 food importers are shutting shop. More will follow or switch to other items," said Amit Lohani, convenor, Forum of Indian Food Importers, an industry body. Lohani's colleagues add that till date government officials have blocked over 1,100 containers.
Most are lying abandoned or are likely to be shipped back to their country of origin. The new norms have also ensured that packaged food and beverage imports into India have come down by half in recent months, unable to comply with FSSAI's diktat.
Says a leading importer of chocolates from South Asia and Europe, who requested anonymity given the sensitivity of the matter, "The move (by FSSAI) is economically unviable. There was no grace period given to importers to implement the new labelling norms. This has just happened a few weeks before Diwali and is a matter of huge concern for industry."
The reason? A seemingly arcane dispute between an arm of India's health ministry and food importers on whether it is sufficient to affix a sticker on imported food consignments to comply with Indiaspecific labelling products — such as brown and green dots to separate vegetarian and non-vegetarian items as well as nutritional information, source and product origin.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority (FSSAI) — the regulatory agency under the health ministry that supervises import of food items to ensure quality — has blocked several consignments of packaged food, citing tougher labelling requirements arising from a new law, the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006 that came into force in 2011. The nub of the problem is FSSAI's insistence that pasting of stickers is not allowed. Instead, it wants details printed on the product pack before they are shipped to India.
Till now, "stickering" was the prevalent trade practice, resulting in the stand-off. Chocolates are not the only items failing to make it past Indian Customs. Shipments of artisinal cheese from France, crisps from the US, spicy Thai condiments and Italian pasta sauces have also been held up. While FSSAI argues its zerotolerance policy is based on law of the land, manufacturers and importers call these actions arbitrary and illegal.
Officials Refute Charges
They are challenging the authority's interpretation of the law. The EU mission in Delhi as well as the embassies of Belgium and Switzerland have been approached by some of the affected companies.
"It's not about one or two categories, FSSAI's interpretation of the regulations is hampering all kinds of food imports. These are perishable goods and many are even getting reexported. This has crippled trade. Close to 30 food importers are shutting shop. More will follow or switch to other items," said Amit Lohani, convenor, Forum of Indian Food Importers, an industry body. Lohani's colleagues add that till date government officials have blocked over 1,100 containers.
Most are lying abandoned or are likely to be shipped back to their country of origin. The new norms have also ensured that packaged food and beverage imports into India have come down by half in recent months, unable to comply with FSSAI's diktat.
Says a leading importer of chocolates from South Asia and Europe, who requested anonymity given the sensitivity of the matter, "The move (by FSSAI) is economically unviable. There was no grace period given to importers to implement the new labelling norms. This has just happened a few weeks before Diwali and is a matter of huge concern for industry."
Food safety officials seize products of leading store in Gobichettipalayam
ERODE: A leading departmental store in Gobichettipalyam was inspected and its warehouse sealed on Friday morning after health department officials found products which had expired and lacked manufacturing labels and addresses. Products worth Rs10lakhs were seized from the warehouse and samples sent for inspection.
The issue came to light after Gobichettipalyam sub-collector Chandrasekaran received a complaint that Kannan Departmental Store on Erode Main road in Gobichettipalyam was selling food products which had expired. He inspected the shop on Thursday night. Finding products without labels he informed health officials who visited the shop and later held a detailed inspection over 12 hours ending on Friday morning. "The inspection was carried out after receiving a written complaint that products sold were past the expiry date. After finding some expired products, officials from the department of health and food safety were informed," he said. Seven officials inspected the shop and found items which were expired and lacked manufacturing labels. While the outdated items were destroyed the others were seized and samples sent for inspection to laboratories. Based on the results further action will be taken.
S Kannan, Food Safety Officer of Gobichettipalayam area said that they seized products worth more than Rs 10 lakh which were later destroyed. Food products ranging from chocolates to grocery items were found without the mandatory labels and details. The inspection which started at 8.30 pm lasted till 9am the following day. Many products including chocolates were found to be without labels.
Officials said that samples of the products including chocolates and dates and other food products were sent for inspection to the government run laboratory. If the results indicated to be positive, legal action would be taken.
The issue came to light after Gobichettipalyam sub-collector Chandrasekaran received a complaint that Kannan Departmental Store on Erode Main road in Gobichettipalyam was selling food products which had expired. He inspected the shop on Thursday night. Finding products without labels he informed health officials who visited the shop and later held a detailed inspection over 12 hours ending on Friday morning. "The inspection was carried out after receiving a written complaint that products sold were past the expiry date. After finding some expired products, officials from the department of health and food safety were informed," he said. Seven officials inspected the shop and found items which were expired and lacked manufacturing labels. While the outdated items were destroyed the others were seized and samples sent for inspection to laboratories. Based on the results further action will be taken.
S Kannan, Food Safety Officer of Gobichettipalayam area said that they seized products worth more than Rs 10 lakh which were later destroyed. Food products ranging from chocolates to grocery items were found without the mandatory labels and details. The inspection which started at 8.30 pm lasted till 9am the following day. Many products including chocolates were found to be without labels.
Officials said that samples of the products including chocolates and dates and other food products were sent for inspection to the government run laboratory. If the results indicated to be positive, legal action would be taken.
Department store raided
The Food Safety Department officials raided a department
store at Gobichettipalayam and confiscated rice and grocery items worth
Rs. 10 lakh kept for sale beyond the expiration date. The raid was
carried out at Kannan Departmental Stores following complaints from the
public to the district administration, official sources said.
The scrutiny of expiry date labels on the products was carried out for several hours from Thursday night.
The godown of the department store was sealed on Friday morning.
FESTIVE SEASON INSPECTION
Principal Director and Additional Food Safety Commissioner, Dr. Neiphi Kire has directed designated Chief Medical Officers and Food Safety Officer of the districts, to conduct inspection of hotels, restaurants, bakeries, canteens, tea stalls and other public eating places includingstreet food vendors under its respective jurisdiction to ensure safety of food at all levels.
In a release, Dr. Kire said that the inspection should be conducted in consultation with the district administration and town council and that the exercise should be completed by November 15 and action taken report to be submitted on or before November 20.
The order has been issued in view of the festive seasons, the forth coming Hornbill festival and the 50th celebration of state hood, to ensure safety.
Gutkha worth Rs 72,000 seized
THANE: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of Thane seized gutkha worth Rs 72,000 along Mumbai-Ahmedabad highway on Friday.
The officials also conducted a raid on sweet shops in Kalyan and seized huge stocks of adulterated sweets.
A special team of officials from Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Thane, cracked on banned guthka handler in the wee hours of Friday along Mumbai-Ahmedabad highway near Ghodbundar area. FDA squad confiscated guthka worth Rs 72, 000 from a transporter while the tempo loaded with sachets of Goa rocket guthka meant for distribution in Thane city and adjoining areas. Based on the first information report lodged by FDA officers, local police from Valiv outpost arrested the accused Altaf Navaj Pathan.
The team was led by FDA assistant commissioner Pradip Raut which had food safety officers Prashant Deshmukh and Venkatesh Vedpatha. "Acting on a tip off we took position along the highway where the tempo was to be halted to deal with the distributor. We spent all the night from 10pm to 5am to nab the accused, waiting at the designated spot. It was the usual modus operandi by the handler to enter the city in the early hours. These banned products come from neighbouring Gujarat," Raut told ToI.
Thane FDA also conducted another raid on sweet marts in Kalyan area and seized huge stock of unsafe sweets. In the festive move to keep tab on adulteration of sweets, food safety officer B S Vasave conducted raid in Kalyan area and confiscated suspected special barfi worth Rs 60, 000 from two traders after finding it unsafe for consumption. "We took 22 samples from these two shops which found to be mixed, leading to health hazard. We seized the special barfi amounting to the tune of Rs 60, 000," said S K Shere, joint commissioner of FDA, Thane.
The officials also conducted a raid on sweet shops in Kalyan and seized huge stocks of adulterated sweets.
A special team of officials from Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Thane, cracked on banned guthka handler in the wee hours of Friday along Mumbai-Ahmedabad highway near Ghodbundar area. FDA squad confiscated guthka worth Rs 72, 000 from a transporter while the tempo loaded with sachets of Goa rocket guthka meant for distribution in Thane city and adjoining areas. Based on the first information report lodged by FDA officers, local police from Valiv outpost arrested the accused Altaf Navaj Pathan.
The team was led by FDA assistant commissioner Pradip Raut which had food safety officers Prashant Deshmukh and Venkatesh Vedpatha. "Acting on a tip off we took position along the highway where the tempo was to be halted to deal with the distributor. We spent all the night from 10pm to 5am to nab the accused, waiting at the designated spot. It was the usual modus operandi by the handler to enter the city in the early hours. These banned products come from neighbouring Gujarat," Raut told ToI.
Thane FDA also conducted another raid on sweet marts in Kalyan area and seized huge stock of unsafe sweets. In the festive move to keep tab on adulteration of sweets, food safety officer B S Vasave conducted raid in Kalyan area and confiscated suspected special barfi worth Rs 60, 000 from two traders after finding it unsafe for consumption. "We took 22 samples from these two shops which found to be mixed, leading to health hazard. We seized the special barfi amounting to the tune of Rs 60, 000," said S K Shere, joint commissioner of FDA, Thane.
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