Sale of substandard and unhygienic food is going unabated across Kashmir valley

SRINAGAR, JULY 6: The sale of substandard and unhygienic food is going unabated across Kashmir valley with experts of Food Safety department finding many food outlets in summer capital using carcinogenic substances as coloring and flavoring agents in popular food items.On Monday, the officials of Food Safety department raided various food outlets and bakery shops in the summer capital and destroyed contaminated food items, including energy drinks, which were banned by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India FSSAI for containing harmful chemicals on spot.

SRINAGAR, JULY 6:

The sale of substandard and unhygienic food is going unabated across Kashmir valley with experts of Food Safety department finding many food outlets in summer capital using carcinogenic substances as coloring and flavoring agents in popular food items.

On Monday, the officials of Food Safety department raided various food outlets and bakery shops in the summer capital and destroyed contaminated food items, including energy drinks, which were banned by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) for containing harmful chemicals on spot.

Assistant Commissioner, Food Safety (Srinagar), Hilal Ahmad Mir told Kashmir Headlines that some food outlets were found using carcinogenic coloring agents like Tatrazine and banned flavoring agents in popular items like biryani, ice cream and milk/fruit shakes.

“We have seized their Food licenses and they will be strictly fined as per Food Safety and Standard Act and Rules,” Mir said. 

Shockingly, the food safety officials have found many food outlets in Lal Chowk using banned Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) in food items. MSG is a harmful tasting agent which was found in Maggi noodles and led to its ban across India.

“Unfortunately people are being served food items mixed with harmful chemicals. This is highly alarming situation and needs to be checked as soon as possible,” the officer said.

According to official sources, Assistant Commissioner Food Safety (Hq) J&K has issued a notice to all the designated officers across state asking them to keep vigil over the sale of substandard and contaminated food items including energy drinks and proceed under Food Safety and Standard Act and Rules.

Meanwhile, Valley’s oncologists said the coloring agents like Tartizine and Corsimisine which were found in food items are not permitted to be used in the food products especially spices.

“Many researches have found that these coloring agents act as carcinogens though not fully classified as yet. However, if they are used in smoked or grilled food they become more deadly,” they said.