Pay Rs 1k to get food sample tested at Rudrapur lab

DEHRADUN: If you think the food you have been served is unhygienic or unpalatable, you can send the samples for testing at Rudrapur laboratory run by the state government. The fee is Rs 1,000 and it will be refunded in case the test report confirms adulteration in accordance with the provisions of the Food Safety Act. 

However, not many consumers in the state are aware about their rights. "The provision to empower citizens is a great initiative in itself. It can help in keeping a check on all the food business operators, be it a food stall or a five-star hotel," said Anoj Thapliyal, designated officer, food safety department, Dehradun. 

A consumer, if unsatisfied with the food served or any other packed food or beverages, can collect a sample and send it directly to the state's food testing lab at Rudrapur. He or she has to pay Rs 1,000 for the tests. "A copy of the sample is also submitted to the designated officer of the district, in case the one sent to the lab is misplaced. If the sample is found to be adulterated, the process further on will be same as in case of a food safety officer sending a sample," said a senior official. 

The consumer is also entitled to get back the fee in case the food item is found to be adulterated and the case will be forwarded to the trial court (ADM's court), the first appellate court (Food Safety Tribunal of Uttarakhand) and the high court similar to the usual proceedings of the department. "The consumer has to be present at all these hearings. Maybe this is one reason why people don't want to get involved. They think it as a waste of time, unaware of the health complications they are inviting by ignoring adulteration," said the official. 

Top officials of Uttarakhand food safety department claimed that citizens are not aware about the provisions and no samples have been deposited by residents. 

According to officials, the state does not have the required number of food security officers working in the field. In such a case, the department wants citizens to take up the task of collecting samples voluntarily. "Food officers are doing their bit but there are areas which still cannot be covered by them. Especially in the hills. Consumer can helping in making Uttarakhand an adulteration-free state if they know the provisions of the Act," said Rajendra Rawat, officer at the headquarter of food safety department, Uttarakhand. 

Department officials suggest that NGOs working in the state for similar cause should come forward and take up the practice. "Individual consumers are reluctant to go through the whole process and in such cases, NGOs working for the cause of people should take the responsibilities and put the provision to use. They have money and volunteers to carry out the work. People need to understand that adulterated food affects their health and at one's own level, steps should be taken to curb adulteration," Rawat said.