Food safety dept to crack the whip on illegal masala units

Madurai: After cracking the whip on adulteration in cooking oil, ghee and a range of flours, food safety department officials from the district have now set their eyes on substandard masala powders widely used in various types of foods. The move has been necessitated after it has come to light that many of the units producing masalas are running their business without obtaining licence, which is mandatory under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

Meanwhile, officials have asked the residents not to buy readymade masalas, available in packets. They have instead asked them to purchase raw materials and prepare the masalas at home, which would not only be cost-effective but also ensure the best ingredients go into cooking.

“After grinding the masala, banned artificial colouring additives and flavour enhancers are used to make them appealing. Using such masalas can result in health problems in the long run. It is always safe to prepare masala at home,” designated officer for food safety, Madurai district, Dr M Somasundaram .

Somasundaram said that they found sub-standard materials in an illegal masala production unit during an inspection carried out recently. The ingredients were infested with insects and fungal matters. Rampant adulteration was also found. They suspect that it could be the scenario in all illegal units.

“There are no numbers available on the exact number of units manufacturing masalas because many are run illegally without licence. We have estimated that there could be more than 200 units. Inspections will be conducted area-wise to ensure quality products are supplied to people,” an official from the food safety department said.