Mumbai, June 18:
The Madhya Pradesh-based Kalimirch Vyaapari Association has urged the
Commissioner of Food Safety, Kerala to expedite its investigation into
adulteration of pepper at warehouses of the National Commodity and
Derivatives Exchange in Kerala and submit its report soon.
In a letter addressed to Biju Prabhakar, Commissioner of Food Safety,
Kerala, the Association highlighted the delay of over five months in
testing black pepper sealed at NCDEX-authorised warehouses for traces of
mineral oil. The 6,800 tonnes of pepper locked up at the warehouse is
valued at Rs 300 crore.
In December, the Food Safety Authority sealed the spic after there were
complaints of mineral oil in pepper delivered at the warehouse. The
Authority appointed the Spices Board to conduct the test on entire stock
of 6,800 tonnes, rather than taking random sample. It is reliably
learnt that the Board has already submitted a report to the authority
after testing 1,000 tonnes of pepper lying at the warehouse.
“We would like to draw your attention… in the whole issue which is grave
and has crucial impact on the financial health of the members of KVA.
The members are undergoing grave mental harassment and anxiety in view
of the delay (in investigation),” said Pradeep Acharya, Vice-President
of the association.
Through this communication, the association members request for
submission of the report (of Spice Board) which is required to be
submitted statutorily to initiate appropriate action by the KVA member,
he said.
Earlier, the Association has filed a writ petition in the Madhya Pradesh
High Court against the NCDEX, National Securities Depository, Central
Depository Service and Ministry of Consumer Affairs for defaulting on
pepper delivery for contracts which expired on January 5.
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