Dead insect found in food packet

The Divisional Food Laboratory has found a dead insect in a biscuit in the 100 grams packet of Horlicks manufactured on April 5 by Parsons Nutritionals Pvt Ltd in Ramanagara.

A Mangaluru resident, who found the insect, took a photograph and video, and sent them along with his complaint to the Joint Director, Food Safety, in Bengaluru. This complaint was forwarded to Senior Food Safety Officer Raju H.P., Mangaluru, for action.

Mr. Raju seized the biscuits and sent them for testing to the Divisional Food Laboratory in Mysuru. While detecting the insect in the biscuit, the laboratory in its report dated July 17 termed the sample related to Batch No. 05KKB1P3 as “not fit for human consumption”.

Mr. Raju said Food Safety Officer cannot take any action in this case as the consumer has opened the packet. In all such instances, consumers have to send the sample directly to the laboratory and get it tested by paying Rs. 400. The report of the laboratory, however, can be used by consumer to file a case before the Consumer Court, he said.

Substandard oil

Meanwhile, the Divisional Food Laboratory, Mysuru, has found substandard coconut oil of two local brands distributed in some local areas here last year.

Following a complaint by a consumer about the quality, the Senior Food Safety Officer Raju H.P. here sent a few samples of the coconut oil to the laboratory last year.

In its report dated October 31, 2014, the Chief Food Analyst of the laboratory said iodine value and Polenske value (a number related to fat content) are not within the parameters set as per the Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations 2011.

“I have to issue notice to two manufacturers asking for their explanation about findings of the laboratory report. This will be done in a few days,” said Mr. Raju, who cited work pressures as a reason for delay in issuance of notice. He has to discharge duties including action of complaints, issuance of licences and other tasks of Food Safety Officers of five taluks, Dakshina Kannada, which are vacant for over several months. The manufacturers would be given two weeks to reply.