How to report substandard or adulterated food?

When you fell that you have purchased a food which is sub-standard or adulterated (in India), you have the option of getting a sample of the food item analyzed by a food analyst appointed by the government. This is a right provided under Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Here are the steps one needs to follow when you wish to get a food sample tested.

• Give a notice to the seller that you are proceeding with the process of analyzing the food purchased at his store or shop. The format is form V B.
• Divide a sample of the food into two parts. Forward one part to the food analyst and other part to the Designated Officer which can be used in case the food business operator appeals against the findings of the food analyst.
• Pay the prescribed fees for analysis
• The food analyst will send the analysis report to the purchaser within 14 days.
• If the analyst finds that the food contains adulterated substance or contaminated or is misbranded, then he/she will send the analysis report to the Designated Officer of the area concerned besides the purchaser.

If you find a food item you purchased or is sold by a food business operator is violating Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 or the rules/regulations framed thereunder, you can make a complain to The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. Common problems are

• Sale of expired products
• No nutritional information in packed product
• No Use By or Best before date, etc
• Ingredients not specified

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India currently operates a reward scheme (as on July 2013) by which any intelligence on improper food item, if verified, will be rewarded with Rs 500. The format for reporting can be downloaded from the following link: http://www.fssai.gov.in/Portals/0/Pdf/Reward_Scheme%2810-07-2012%29.pdf

It is claimed that the identity of the whistle blower will be kept secret.