INDORE: With festive season at its peak and Diwali round the corner, the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) is on its toes to make sure that city residents don't fall prey to adulterated sweets and other food items during the season.
Since Ganesh Chaturthi the FDA has taken nearly 100 samples of sweets, edible oil, namkeen and spices. Out of total samples sent for laboratory testing in state capital, report of 30 samples has come. 10 samples were found to be misbranded, while six samples were of sub-standard quality.
Food safety officer, Manish Swami said, "During Ganesh Chaturthi, we took samples of sweets from shops near prominent city temples. We had also carried out inspections at Namkeen manufacturing units in industrial areas nearby city. Every week, teams conduct surprise inspection at least on three days. During this season, we have taken samples from 40 small-big units."
Swami also said that we will continue conducting surprise inspection especially on mawa sweets, namkeen, chocolates and gift packs shops. When asked about whether the delay in sampling and testing differ the result or not, Swami said, "Though the result of the samples takes time, collection of samples is a sign enough to make the seller conscious about food quality. Moreover, we do not have laboratory in Indore so we are dependent on Bhopal lab."
FDA officials are keeping a close watch on sweets, milk products and namkeen, which the officials say, are the main food items that are found adulterated. "From the lab reports that have come in the past, it has come to surface that non-food colour is being used in sweets. City residents should try and avoid coloured sweets, especially the deep pink ones, which might be adulterated," advised Swami. Customers can file complaints related to food adulteration with the department on the condition of anonymity too.
It should be taken to note that if any city resident is apprehensive about a certain food item that he or she has already purchased, then he can send it for testing to the food department personally.
Since Ganesh Chaturthi the FDA has taken nearly 100 samples of sweets, edible oil, namkeen and spices. Out of total samples sent for laboratory testing in state capital, report of 30 samples has come. 10 samples were found to be misbranded, while six samples were of sub-standard quality.
Food safety officer, Manish Swami said, "During Ganesh Chaturthi, we took samples of sweets from shops near prominent city temples. We had also carried out inspections at Namkeen manufacturing units in industrial areas nearby city. Every week, teams conduct surprise inspection at least on three days. During this season, we have taken samples from 40 small-big units."
Swami also said that we will continue conducting surprise inspection especially on mawa sweets, namkeen, chocolates and gift packs shops. When asked about whether the delay in sampling and testing differ the result or not, Swami said, "Though the result of the samples takes time, collection of samples is a sign enough to make the seller conscious about food quality. Moreover, we do not have laboratory in Indore so we are dependent on Bhopal lab."
FDA officials are keeping a close watch on sweets, milk products and namkeen, which the officials say, are the main food items that are found adulterated. "From the lab reports that have come in the past, it has come to surface that non-food colour is being used in sweets. City residents should try and avoid coloured sweets, especially the deep pink ones, which might be adulterated," advised Swami. Customers can file complaints related to food adulteration with the department on the condition of anonymity too.
It should be taken to note that if any city resident is apprehensive about a certain food item that he or she has already purchased, then he can send it for testing to the food department personally.
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