Jaipur: Sale of edible oil and powdered spices without proper packaging is not allowed under the provisions of Food Safety and Standard Act (FSSA). However, several shops in the city are selling loose edible oil and powdered spices. They have no mention of expiry date, manufacturing date or contents. To prevent sale of such food items, the health department will launch a campaign from August 15.
Markets known for selling loose powdered spices in the Walled City area will be on the radar of health authorities. However, as per the health department, initially, no strict action will be taken against the traders. "We will counsel them first to not sell food items like edible oil and powdered spices without packaging. If they continue to do so, we will give them time to stop it. Even then, if they carry on flouting norms, we will take strict action against them," food commissioner, Rajasthan, Dr BR Meena, said.
Dr Meena said that under FSSA, there are provisions which say that powered spices and edible oil should be packed properly following all norms, before being sold.
On July 23, the health department officials had conducted an inspection in the Walled City markets. They had collected five samples of powered chilli, turmeric and coriander, which were being sold without proper packaging as per FSSA norms.
Officials said that customers go to such shops and buy powdered spices. No one knows what it contains. If packed properly, one would know the contents.
Food inspectors have been directed to collect samples of powdered spices and edible oil across the state.
Moreover, as Raksha Bandhan is round the corner, the health authorities will collect samples of sweets and other eatables. "It is seen that during festivals, demand for sweets goes up. There are chances of food adulteration. Collect samples of sweets from August 15 to August 20 to keep a check on adulteration," says an order issued by the health department on August 12 for health officials across the state.
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