‘Random food checks were better than NOC system’

MUMBAI: The controversy over the amount of lead in Maggi has prompted experts and people in the food industry to suggest that the government bring back the old system of random checks by food inspectors. They said it will ensure better quality of food. 

Following the Maggi row, former directors of Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) had written to Centre, seeking a probe into the new 'Product Approval' system that, according to them, was allowed over two years ago by the apex regulator. They have expressed fears of corruption in the lower cadre during the process of issuing licences. 

The FSSAI had issued a no-objection certificate (NOC) and licence to Nestle for Maggi. Pradip Chakraborty, former director, product approval, FSSAI, said, "Officials who issued the NOC and licence must be held responsible. If a product has an NOC but is being handled in unhygienic conditions during sale, then safety is compromised." Chakraborty is one of the three who have demanded the probe. 

"I think the emphasis should be on regular testing of samples and strong surveillance. If ingredients are safe and products are tested regularly, then there is no reason to obtain an NOC or any product approval. It has been proved in the Maggi case that despite getting an NOC and licence, the product failed during testing," he said, adding that only novel food/ ingredients whose safety is unknown require product approval," he added. 

People in the food industry, requesting anonymity, said that most of street food vendors use monosodium glutamate in noodles. "Even housewives use it. A scientific review of Monosodium glutamate is required as so many ingredients like stevia and caffeine, which were not permitted earlier are now allowed by the United States, Europe and India within prescribed limits," a source said. "Lead too is allowed within permissible limits (up to 0.2 parts per million i.e mg per kg by weight) in food items including infant milk substitutes. Permissible limit of lead in turmeric and tea is as high as 10 parts per million by weight." 

""Under the old system, punishment was specified for contamination," said an expert. 

"Misleading information (advertising) to was punishable with imprisonment for a term that could extend to three months and fine extending to Rs 2 lakh," he added.