Nov 9, 2012

Beware of spiked edibles this Diwali: FDA


ALLAHABAD: Diwali is just a fortnight away. It is the festival of lights and sweets. So, being an active an aware citizen, people of Sangam city are approaching officials of the FDA (Food & Drug Administration) in a large number to learn simple methods useful in detecting adulteration. Most of the inquires pouring in are to ascertain purity of food and milk products as also asking about availability of instant kits that have already gained popularity in metropolitan cities.
FDA officials feel it's a good beginning and citizens are taking initiative to acquaint themselves with simple methods. Dr Sarita Pandey says "If we know simple methods to detect adulteration, we can save our family from impure and stale products". She added "Awareness must be spread among consumers". If you want to check if the khoya you are buying or have bought is adulterated, a few drops of tincture of iodine will make it turn bluish if adulterated. Another method is using sulphuric acid.
Adulteration is an unethical practice, as it poses serious risk to human health. Presence of harmful starch, urea-mixed milk, caustic soda, ararot, artificial sweetening chemicals, non-approved colored sweets (like heavy metals incorporated malachite green, etc) and unhygienic conditions may lead to acute gastritis, diarrhoea, dysentery, dehydration, kidney inflammation, etc.
Housewife Aditi says "Keeping an eye on the forthcoming festival, consumers must be aware of simple methods to detect adulteration".
Chief food safety officer H K Srivastava told TOI "We are promoting awareness about easy methods to detect adulteration in food products, without the need to send them to a laboratory.

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