Sep 29, 2017
Prison food for Gurmeet Ram Rahim tasted for safety, samples preserved for 48 hours
Ram Rahim's barrack has only three other prisoners, but all of them are lodged in different cells. "This is also part of our strategy," added an official.
With Dera Sacha Sauda head Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh being a prisoner with high threat perception, authorities are taking no chances while serving him food inside Rohtak’s Sunaria jail. The food being given to the convicted dera head is tasted for its safety before being served and the entire process is videographed. Further, samples taken from each food item are preserved for 48 hours.
The dera chief has been in jail for one month after his conviction on August 25 for raping two sadhvis (female followers) at the dera headquarters in Sirsa.
“We have to be very careful about his security because of the threat perception to his life, even inside the jail. Intelligence agencies have already given their inputs in this regard,” an official of Haryana Prisons Department told The Indian Express on Thursday.
The source added, “We have to keep an eye on his food because somebody, as part of a conspiracy, might try to poison his meal. All the food for the prisoners is cooked in the kitchen under the watch of CCTV cameras. Before it being taken to the dera chief, it is tasted by a senior officer of the prisons department. When jail officials take his food to his barrack, a cameraperson escorts them to videograph the journey from the kitchen. Every clipping is preserved for a week.”
The dera chief has been kept in a barrack and guarded by several layers of security guards. The barrack has about a dozen cells in the shape of small rooms.
“His position in the jail is constantly changed so that nobody can pinpoint his location. The dera chief faces threat from external sources also,” said an official.
When contacted, Haryana Director General (Prisons) KP Singh said, “Apart from the regular jail superintendent, an additional jail superintendent has been posted in the jail to look after the security arrangements… Surprise checking is also conducted by the jail officers and judicial officers.”
K P Singh himself inspected the security arrangements inside the jail a few days ago.
Ram Rahim’s barrack has only three other prisoners, but all of them are lodged in different cells. “This is also part of our strategy. All three prisoners were sentenced for life but likely to be released in next few years. We feel that none of them will harm Ram Rahim because any such action would harm their prospects of an early release,” added the official.
A source further said, “The dera chief can roam in his barrack and meet the other prisoners. But he cannot go out of his barrack area, and nobody else can enter his area. An official has been deputed in front of his barrack to ensure compliance of the orders. We have to take such precaution because of apprehensions of violence by prisoners against him. He is taken out of the barrack to the library, or to the courtroom inside the jail meant for his appearance before the Panchkula court through video-conferencing.” The dera chief is still facing trial in two murder cases.
About his behaviour in prison, the official said: “He behaves like a normal prisoner. He was almost enjoying the status of god with his followers before his conviction.”
Seriously! Dead rat found in food at IIT-Delhi mess
New Delhi: On Tuesday morning, students of the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi were in for a shock when they sat for breakfast at the mess.
One of the students at the Aravali hostel at IIT-Delhi discovered a dead rat floating in the coconut chutney served to him in a plate.
The Times of India reported that one Jayant Darokar first sighted the dead mouse.
"By the time I found it, many had already eaten the chutney," Darokar wrote on Facebook.
The mess administration was informed which has assured to take corrective steps.
The students are, however, not a satisfied lot. They spoke about the poor hygiene condition at the hostel mess.
IIT director Ramgopal Rao said they have set up a panel of three wardens to look into the matter.
He said action was imminent against some people in the mess.
Food vendors fined for misbranding
PANJIM: The North District Collector has imposed a penalty of Rs 30,000 each on three food vendors for selling misbranded and sub-standard food items.
Collector Nila Mohanan has imposed penalty under the provisions of Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and the Rules and Regulations for manufacturing for sale and distribution of banana chips, tapioca sticks and tapioca wafers which were misbranded.
Senior Food Safety Officer Rajiv Korde had detained the consignment at Margao Railway Station on August 30, last year.
The collector has directed the violators to submit an undertaking within 30 days that they will not take up the manufacturing or marketing of such misbranded food articles across the State.
FDA closes down 9 vendors in Raia
Food and Drugs Administration raided 9 food vendors operating food stalls in Raia on Thursday morning without food safety licenses.
They were all dealing in loose biscuits, toast, chewda and other packed eatable items.
The 9 vendors were served issued unlicensed notice and also closed down all the premises till further orders.
FDA team comprising of Amit, Priya and Shradha visited the Raia market in Salcette and took samples of these gaddas selling items toast loose, khari biscuit for quality checking at their laboratory.
FDA Team conducted these inspection along with the Panchayat members after FDA had received complaints from Raia residents.
The Collector Nila Mohanan imposed a penalty of 30,000 rupees each on food vendors Bala Murugan of M/S B Chips, Kunnur Kerla and Siva Gurunathan of M/S. A.B. Chips, Zuarinagar under the provisions of Food Safety and Standards Act. 2006 and the Rules and Regulations for the manufacturing for sale and distribution of misbranded ‘Banana Chips’, Tapioca sticks and Tapioca Wafers.
Senior Food Safety officer Rajv Korde had detained the consignment at Margao Railway Station on August 30, 2016 and balance stock of 320 kgs was seized.
Sep 28, 2017
FSSAI training food businesses to improve food safety standards
All food businesses need to have at least one person as food safety supervisor who has to be trained and certified as per FSSAI's curriculum
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has taken up a nationwide training programme to increase the capacity of food businesses towards improving standards of food safety, FSSAI CEO Pawan Agarwal has said.
He said particularly, small food businesses are not even aware what steps should be taken towards raising food safety standards.
"...So, we have taken up a massive programme for training and capacity building in food businesses.Once that happens, the standards of food safety will improve. It (training) has already begun across the country," Agrawal told PTI on the sidelines of an event.
All food businesses are needed to have at least one person as food safety supervisor who has to be trained and certified as per FSSAI's curriculum, he said.
The training programme has begun across the country several months ago and the plan is to reach out to five to six lakh food businesses in about two years, Agarwal said.
"I think we do not want to bother small businesses to begin with. We will focus our attention on medium and large businesses. We will have to reach out to several lakh food businesses, five-six lakh food businesses to begin with. We will do it in a period of one-and-half to two years," he said.
A training course has been developed for each kind of business and there are a total of 19 such courses, he said.
"There are 19 courses. Each kind of business, there is one course. These courses are very short courses. One-day, two days, three-day courses," he said.
The enforcement of food safety standards is done largely through the state food safety commissioners and the FSSAI is trying to work with all states to improve the standards of food safety, the FSSAI CEO said.
"Different states are in different stages of evolution. In some states, it is very good. In some states, there is a gap. We are trying to work with all the states so that we can improve the quality of compliance by the food businesses," he said.
The FSSAI and the state authorities work under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, he added.
'FSSAI working with industry to address food fortification challenges'
MANGALURU: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is working with the industry to understand the challenges being faced in promoting fortification of wheat flour, rice and double fortification of salt, its chief executive officer Pawan Kumar Agarwal said at an ASSOCHAM event held in New Delhi.
"We have recevied fairly good amount of success in getting the free-market availability of fortified oil and milk but in case of wheat flour, rice and double fortification of salts, the progress has been slow," said Agarwal addressing an ASSOCHAM conference on Nutrition and Food Security.
"We are working on it, we are working with the food industry to nudge them, persuade them to understand what are the challenges they are facing," added Agarwal.
The FSSAI is also trying to figure out regulatory concerns the industry might have as they go in for fortification. "Obviously when we go-in for fortification as per standards, we have to be monitoring an evaluation of whether we are getting the results, so for doing all of it we have established Food Fortification Resource Centre with the support of Tata Trust at FSSAI and we have a dedicated team working to promote large-scale fortification of these five staples in the country," Agarwal added.
Despite government policy for fortification, the progress has been somewhat limited, except a few areas where excellence has been achieved largely based on initiatives of individual officers who have felt and recognised the need for fortified staples to reach out the benefit of fortification to the poorest of the poor, he conceeded. "But by and large there had been a lukewarm response to it," he noted.
"In last one year we have made significant progress in terms of standards, giving some structure to the space, but going around the country, we still feel that whole idea of socialisation of the importance of food fortification amongst key stakeholders in the states is still not complete," he said.
"Merely issuing orders and notifications from Government of India will not suffice, state governments in many cases require hand-holding support in order to first be sensitised about why going for fortification and enable them to procure in various programs, fortified staples," added Agarwal.
When it comes to achieving food fortification of five staples across India, there is a long way to go as there are many challenges to make it happen. " I have seen many reports from the states whereby state officials remained confused as to whether or not this is required to be done, clarity in terms of how it is to be done is not there in most states," he added.
"In many f these programs, particularly where you are depending on local initiatives at the state government level are not easy to implement and they take their own time," he added.
Come under purview of Food Safety Act, traders told
TRICHY: Insisting on mandatory registration and licence for business under food safetyand standards authority of India (FSSAI), the district administration has reminded traders to come under the purview of the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006.
Collector K Rajamani on Wednesday asserted that all traders involved in food business should compulsorily obtain either registration or licence from the food safety department in the district as soon as possible.
Despite coming into force in 2011 across the country, the Food Safety and Standards Act is seen as a burden by people in the food business in Tamil Nadu. Though the state government enforced the Act in 2012, the process got speeded up after the formation of the food safety department headed by a designated officer (DO) for all districts to get all the traders registered and licensed under the Act in 2015-16.
Going by the data of the food safety and drug administration department in Trichy, a total of 17,600 food business establishments including road side eateries should be covered under the Act across the district. However, the department saw lukewarm response from the traders with only 5,000 of them turning up for registrations and a meagre 1,000 businessmen applying for licence as of now.
Those with an annual turnover of below Rs 12 lakh should get their business registered while those with a turnover of above Rs 12 lakh must get the licence under the Act.
They can apply online at www.fssai.gov.in for both registration and licence by paying Rs 100 and Rs 3,000 in the district treasury following which they should submit the relevant documents to the DO, food safety and drug administration department near Jamal Mohammed College in Trichy. The registration and the licence will be given in 60 days, said the collector.
It may be recalled that the traders association have been expressing their opposition to come under the purview of the Food Safety Act citing several disadvantages to their business.
"Food Safety and Standards Act is said to ensure quality of food given to the people. They have laid down several guidelines to run the food business. However, none of the clauses of the Act will work out in a country like India. Particularly in Tamil Nadu, traders will have to pay penalty or undergo imprisonment for minor violations. Hence, we are vehemently opposing the Act here," general secretary of Tamil Nadu Vanigar Sangangalin Peramaippur, Ve Govindarajulu said.
Cigarette shops barred from selling chips, soft drinks, other non-tobacco products
Health ministry has barred tobacco shops from selling any non-tobacco products, such as toffee, chips and soft drinks, as they may attract the attention of children
The health ministry’s move is aimed at preventing exposure of children to tobacco products.
New Delhi: The union ministry of health and family welfare has said that shops licensed to sell tobacco products will not be allowed to sell any non-tobacco products that may attract the attention of children.
The move is aimed at preventing exposure of children to tobacco products.
“It is felt that the regulation of tobacco products can be made more effective. It will be appropriate to develop a mechanism to provide permission or authorization through Municipal Authority to the retail shops who are selling tobacco products,” stated Arun Kumar Jha, economic adviser in the ministry of health and family welfare, in a letter dated 21st September 2017.
“Further, it would also be appropriate to make a condition or provision in the authorization that the shops authorized for selling tobacco products, cannot sell any non-tobacco products such as toffees, candies, chips, biscuits, soft drinks, etc., which are essentially meant for non-user, especially children,” Jha said in the letter.
The health ministry also emphasized on various rules and regulations in place to prevent tobacco exposure. The Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act, 2003 (COTPA), specifically prohibits smoking in all public places, prohibition of direct and indirect advertisement, promotion and sponsorship of cigarettes and other tobacco products, prohibition of sale of cigarettes and other tobacco products to minors and within 100 yards of any educational institution and display of health warning, including pictorial warning on ill effects of tobacco use on the packages of all tobacco products.
“The central government has enacted the Cigarettes and other Tobacco products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulations of Trade and Commerce Production, Supply and Distribution) Act, 2003 (COTPA), to discourage the use of tobacco, with emphasis on protection of children and young people from being addicted to the use of tobacco, with a view to achieve improvement of public health in general,” stated Jha.
The central government has also enacted the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, which makes giving, or causing to be given, any child any tobacco products punishable with rigorous imprisonment for a term which may extend up to seven years. Further, the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, ensures availability of safe and wholesome food for human consumption and inter alia prohibits using of tobacco and nicotine as ingredients in any food products.
Sep 27, 2017
Can’t sell candy or cola in cigarette shops as govt plans to curb tobacco abuse
Shops selling tobacco products must not sell items such as toffees, candies, chips, biscuits, soft drinks, etc. that may attract non-users.
Cigarette packets are displayed at a shop in Mumbai.
Tobacconists must register with the local civic authority and they can’t sell candies and colas on the side that attract non-smokers to the shop, the government proposed in an attempt to reduce tobacco abuse in India.
The Union health ministry wrote on September 21 to the states to develop a mechanism to provide permission or authorisation through the municipal authority to retail shops selling tobacco products such as cigarette, bidi, chewable gutkha and khaini.
“The idea is to track every single shop selling tobacco products by making them register with the local municipal authority. Government should be able to identify all cigarette shops running anywhere in the country,” said Arun Jha, economic advisor with the ministry.
The focus is to discourage tobacco abuse among people, especially children and young adults.
“The sale of tobacco products to minors must be tracked and there should be no advertisement of tobacco products. These shops must not sell non-tobacco products such as toffees, candies, chips, biscuits, soft drinks, etc. that may attract non-users,” Jha said.
FACTS
According to a govt survey, every fifth adult in India are addicted to gutkha and khaini.
100 million Indians smoke cigarettes and bidis.
A World Health Organisation report says 10 million people die in India every year because of smoke-related diseases.
Tobacco was introduced in India in the 1600s
Every fifth adult in this country of more than 1.2 billion people are addicted to gutkha and khaini, while 100 million people smoke cigarettes and bidis, according to a government-approved survey.
“Tobacco initiation age in India is about 16 years … Tobacco shops are mushrooming and this order could act as a stronger deterrent than the current lenient law,” said Dr Pankaj Chaturvedi, head and neck surgeon at Tata Memorial Hospital.
A World Health Organization (WHO) report says around 10 million people die in the country every year because of smoke-related diseases such as cancer, respiratory and heart disorders.
Tobacco abuse is a preventable cause of cancer, a disease growing at an alarming pace. Close to 60% cancers are preventable, of which 40% are related to tobacco.
Activists have lobbied for years for stronger restrictions, prompting the authorities to unroll ambitious new curbs on the popular habit that has taken a serious toll on the country’s health.
Besides stringent anti-smoking measures nationwide, including tax hikes on tobacco products, there are laws to deter sales.
The Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Act, 2003, discourages sales.
Giving or selling tobacco to a child attracts up to seven years of rigorous imprisonment under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015.
According to the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, tobacco and nicotine cannot be used in any foodstuff.
But people addicted to tobacco always find an excuse for their unhealthy indulgence. Cigarettes have become part of the social fabric after tobacco was introduced in India in the 1600s.
The government hopes to change that.
“Many states have responded positively to the letter and understand the larger benefits of the move. We have made a request, let’s see how soon it can be implemented,” Jha said.
Unsafe, substandard food sold unabated in JK markets
SRINAGAR: The Food Safety Department officials have found hundreds of food outlets selling substandard and unhygienic in Jammu and Kashmir using carcinogenic substances as coloring and flavoring agents in popular food items.
According to official figures, over 660 food items were found substandard, misbranded and unsafe for human consumption in last one year as they have been using banned ingredients and synthetic coloring and flavoring agents.
Officials told Kashmir Reader said some of the food outlets were found using carcinogenic coloring agents like Tatrazine and banned flavoring agents in popular food items like Kebabs, Kanti, Biryani, Ice cream and Milk/fruit shakes.
“Most of the food outlets were using banned coloring and flavoring agents which forced us to seize their licenses. We have also launched prosecution against them as per Food Safety and Standard Act and Rules,” they said.
Over 1100 prosecutions have been launched against the violators between April 2016 and March 2017, as per the official data.
Shockingly, the food safety officials have found many food outlets in main business hub Lal Chowk using banned Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) in food items.
MSG is a harmful tasting agent which was found in Maggi noodles last year and led to its temporary ban across India.
“Unfortunately people are being served food items mixed with harmful chemicals. This is the highly alarming situation and needs to be checked as soon as possible,” said an officer.
Last month, the Assistant Commissioner Food Safety (Hq) J&K has issued a notice to all the designated officers across the state asking them to keep vigil over the sale of substandard and contaminated food items including milk and cold drinks and proceed under Food Safety and Standard Act and Rules.
Oncologists said that researchers had found that synthetic colouring agents act as carcinogens though not fully classified as yet.
“The colouring agents like Tartizine and Corsimisine which were found in food items are non-permitted to be used in the food products especially spice. If they are used in smoked or grilled food they become more deadly,” doctors said.
Tartazine is carcinogen, says study
Tartrazine is one of the most widely used artificial foods, drugs and cosmetic dyes. It is a nitrous derivative and is known to cause allergic reactions such as asthma and urticaria, as well as having been the focus of studies on mutagenesis and carcinogenesis due to its transformation into aromatic amine sulfanilic acid after being metabolized by the gastrointestinal microflora. 45 male Wistar rats were assigned to a control group (A) or a treatment one (B).
The treatment group received 7.5 mg x kg(-1) x day(-1) of tartrazine daily in drinking water offered ad libitum for ten months from weaning to the age of twelve months. There was a significant increase in the number of lymphocytes and eosinophils of the gastric antrum mucosa. No carcinogenetic changes in any gastric area were observed during the study. As tartrazine belongs to the azo class, it is still a possible food carcinogen. Other studies with different doses and schedules, observing their effects associated to other carcinogens should be carried out if their safe use is to be recommended.
Adulterated edible oil racket busted
The officials of Vigilance and Enforcement department in association with Civil Supplies Department on Tuesday conducted a raid and busted a gang involved in making adulterated edible oil at HB Colony area in the city.
The officials nabbed one K Ravindra Reddy, prime accused in the oil adulteration racket.
Vigilance DSP CM Naidu said Reddy and his team used to collect the used edible oil from various places and would mix it with fresh edible oil and sell them in various parts of the State and also in Telangana.
The officials seized over 2,000 litres of the adulterated oil and an oil tanker, in which they used to prepare the adulterated edible oil.
The officials have launched a manhunt for two persons in connection with the case. Officials of Food Safety Department said consumption of the adulterated oil could lead to lead to liver cancer and jaundice and a few other diseases.
Ujjain: Admin cracks the whip on sellers of adulterated sweets during festive season
Ujjain: The food safety department will clamp down heavily on shopkeepers and vendors selling adulterated sweets and ‘mawa’ during this festival season. The city administration has taken the decision to impose the National Security Act against offenders, in view of the huge volumes of sweets consumed during Dushhera and Diwali. Collector Sanket Bhondve and SP Sachin Atulkar have instructed the health department to keep a strict vigil in this regard.
These decisions were taken at a meeting which the collector held with SDMs and SDOs of the district. He also gave several orders regarding safety and security, during the festival season. He further instructed officials to ensure that the Explosives Act was complied with, for the use of firecrackers. During the meet, ADM Narendra Suryavanshi informed that all 29 cases registered under NSA had been solved. A total of 305 cases of detention were registered, out of which 103 cases were retracted, due lack of evidence and around 50 percent of cases registered under NSA were cancelled.
The collector also gave orders for the auction of vehicles seized in various cases under the excise act, mineral act and others. He called for the formation of a committee for the purpose, and issuance of a corrigendum of auction. Total registered arms in district stood at 5700, the ADM informed. The collector and SP called for strict action against those in illegal possession of arms and cancellation of arms licenses of those with criminal records.
Sep 26, 2017
FSDA seizes ‘misbranded’ 105 quintal gram flour in Muzaffarnagar
Meerut/Muzaffarnagar: To keep a tab on the quality of food items being sold during the ongoing festive season, Food Safety and Drugs Administration (FSDA) officials conducted several raids and seized 105 quintal of “misbranded” gram flour in Muzaffarnagar.
They also took four samples of suspected adulterated oil and other items in Meerut also.
“Due to ongoing Navratras and the upcoming festival of Diwali, we conducted a surprise raid at some food stores in Muzaffarnagar and found some items which seemed adulterated,” said Sarvesh Mishra, chief food safety officer.
The flour-- which was neatly packed in 200packs-- have been sent for testing along with empty brand packets in which the flour was being filled, said Vinit Kumar, in-charge of food department in Muzaffarnagar.
USE OF CALCIUM CARBIDE IN ARTIFICIAL FRUIT RIPENING: DB directs regular inspections, seeks detailed reports
The Division Bench observed that an action taken report has been filed on behalf of the Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, in terms of the order dated 9th of June, 2017.
In a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) against use of calcium carbide in artificial fruit ripening, a Division Bench (DB) of State High Court comprising Justice Dhiraj Singh Thakur and Justice Sanjeev Kumar directed Deputy Controller, Drugs and Food Control Organization, Jammu, to ensure that inspections are carried regularly in various fruit markets of Jammu.
The DB directed that detailed reports be submitted to this court, giving the details regarding the premises checked by the team, the name of the owner of the premises visited, its location and the report of the samples taken.
The Division Bench observed that an action taken report has been filed on behalf of the Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, in terms of the order dated 9th of June, 2017.
It is stated in the action taken report that in the month of May, 2017, approximately 21.12 quintals of Mango and 30 quintals of Papaya were seized from the shed of Fruit Market, Narwal by the enforcement staff appointed under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and Rules made thereunder, which was later destroyed at the dumping ground, Bhagwati Nagar, Jammu.
It is submitted that last year also, artificial ripened fruits (papaya) was seized from the premises of two fruit business operators at Fruit Market, Narwal, which were later destroyed.
Division Bench further observed that from the record, it appears that the Deputy Controller, Drugs and Food Control Organization, Jammu by order dated 2.6.2017 had designated a team of officers to carry out a special drive for five working days starting from 12th June, 2017 in their respective districts to check the quality of milk and milk products and artificially ripened fresh fruits with calcium carbide.
Division Bench further observed that from the report, it appears that the samples that were taken from the Fruits and Vegetables Market, Narwal, which were subsequently destroyed, had been taken prior to the constitution of the team in June, 2017.
The DB observed that apart from visiting the fruits and vegetables Market, Narwal, the team does not appear to have stated anything with regard to their visit to other parts of the city wherefrom business is being conducted.
The DB observed that the process of ripening of fruits and vegetables by the use of Calcium Carbide might not be limited only to the fruits and vegetables market, Narwal but may be taking place in godowns being maintained by traders in and around the city of Jammu.
The DB directed the concerned authorities to identify all those places, which are being used as godowns/storage areas for storing fruits and vegetables, which potentially may involve the usage of calcium carbide as a ripening agent and regular inspections be conducted.
Restaurant locked down for violating safety norms
Churachandpur Consumer Club (CCC) today shutdown a restaurant named Cine View Restaurant at New Bazar Thangzam Road for gross violation of food safety norms. The restaurant is owned by a person named Ramesh Kumar Gupta.
The combined team of CCC led by president of Food Safety and Standards Administration (FSA) Wing, SN. John locked the restaurant today afternoon after informing the owner about the reason of their closing down the restaurant. Earlier, FSA Wing had warned the restaurant owner twice to maintain good quality of food. The restaurant was shut down today when CCC and FSA Wing found some food materials stored for longer periods with unhygienic maintenance of kitchen.
One of the team members said that they were surprised after finding ducks entering the restaurant eating hall. He continued that the unhygienic environment of the restaurant is not suitable and safe for people to consume foods.
Roadside eateries to be fined Rs 25,000 for unhygienic food
Food safety officials have reportedly warned the roadside eateries in and around Chennai of Rs 25,000 fine if they are found to be providing unhygienic and unhealthy foods. They have also given a helpline number 94440 42322 for complaints about unhygienic foods. Reportedly, 4,500 roadside eateries are operating in Chennai corporation and around the city.
Sep 25, 2017
Imported GM food floods Indian market unchecked
The official pointed to absence of Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)-mandated labelling system that could inform consumers that a particular food does have GM element so the harm should be well known.
New Delhi: Imported genetically modified (GM) food appears to be circulating uncontrolled in the country without any consumer advisories on possible harm, according to admission of a top government official before a parliamentary panel which, for now, has red-flagged introduction of GM crops in the country without evaluation of biosafety and socio-economic desirability.
“There are certain GM food which we are told is coming in as a mixed form in some of the imports that is happening,” an official of the department of health research told the parliamentary panel, chaired by Congress leader Renuka Chowdhury, which recently submitted a report on “Genetically modified crops and its impact on environment”.
The official pointed to absence of Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)-mandated labelling system that could inform consumers that a particular food does have GM element so the harm should be well known.
The department-related parliamentary standing committee on science and technology and environment and forest has now “strongly” recommended to the FSSAI that labelling on imported GM food must be done with “immediate effect”.
The committee took note of the official’s submission that FSSAI’s scientific panel for the genetically modified organism in food has recommended mandatory labelling for designated food products that have GM ingredient of 5 per cent or more.
Hinting at the existence of an unregulated system under which Indians may already be unknowingly consuming imported GM food, the official of the department of health research said, “Once the labelling comes into force, some of the imported items – where we are still not very clear what the elements of GM food are – is something they are still working on.”
By the official’s own admission before the committee no GM food product has “really been approved so far” yet there are such food coming into the country as a mixed form in some of the imports.
The official also hinted that there was virtually no system in sight, in the near future, on how or who will set standards for GM food consumption.
The committee in its 301st report presented to the Rajya Sabha chairman last month, also expressed surprise over absence of an in-house scientific study by the department of health research on impact of GM food on human health.
Ms Chowdhury noted with pain that the secretary of department of health research that no study till date has been carried out on impact of GM crops on human health.
The official told the committee, “In terms of food, it would be very difficult to design a study where you tell one group of people that you have to take only this GM food and, then, tell another group to not take that GM food. Then, you have to follow them for many years. So, this type of study has not been done anywhere in the world. It has not been done in India also.”
Meanwhile, the Committee has put the breaks on introduction of GM crops and said, “The committee strongly believes that unless the biosafety and socio-economic desirability, taking into consideration long run effects, is evaluated by a participatory, independent and transparent process and a retrieval and accountability regime is put in place, no GM crop should be introduced in the country.”
The recommendation comes after India’s GM crop regulator Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) recently recommended the commercial use of genetically modified mustard in a submission to the environment ministry.
Socio-environment expert Sulagna Chattopadhyay welcomed the cautious note sounded by the committee and slammed the pressure group allegedly pushing for hasty introduction of GM crops.
“An impression is being created that we need GM crops to boost yield where as there are many hybrid high-varieties available in the country for that,” said Ms Chattopadhyay, editor of Geography and You magazine.
She also opposed the introduction of GM crops claiming that the gains of pest resistance shown by GM crops in initial years are lost in later years as some other pests become strong and more damaging, forcing additional use of insecticide and escalation of a farmers’ input cost.
“This is why the farmers growing Bt Cotton are suffering and committing suicides,” Ms Chattopadhyay said.
Pepsico India to counter malicious campaign on popular snack food
Pepsico India Holdings Private Ltd is taking measures to assure consumers about the safety of Kurkure, in the wake of malicious rumours that the popular snack food contains plastic, said a senior company official.
From one variant in 1999, Kurkure has 40 variants and is also exported to several countries.
“I don’t know on what grounds the rumour is spread that Kurkure contains plastic. Normally big brands attract malicious rumours,” Marketing Director – Indian Snacks, Vani Gupta, told IANS on Saturday.
“We don’t see such malicious campaign in other parts of India. Only in Tamil Nadu we see such malicious campaigns,” Gupta said.
Some months back the associations of traders in Tamil Nadu had announced a ban on selling Pepsi and Coca Cola brands.
Gupta said the company is taking countermeasures in assuring the safety of Kurkure to mothers.
According to her, it is better to assure the consumers about the safety rather than taking legal recourse against the rumour mongers.
One of the steps is redesigning of the package with the words ‘Made with Dal, Corn and Rice’ printed on it.
“In case of chips we know what it is made of. But it is not so with Kurkure. Hence we decided to adopt this strategy,” Gupta said.
On Saturday, Pepsico Holdings held an event here where bloggers – mostly young women – were told about Kurkure and the production process.
With the assistance of an award winning chef, the participants also whipped up some dishes made with several variants of Kurkure.
Gupta said: “Any food that is taken in moderate quantity is good. The problem crops up when one overdoes something.”
Queried about the usage of palmolein oil in the making of the product instead of other oils like rice bran oil, Gupta said: “The oil suits well with the product. The usage of palmolein oil is not driven by costs.”
“Many of our competitors play with the ingredient quantities when the prices fluctuate,” she added.
“Even at home it is advisable to change the oil brands once in two months so as to derive the benefits offered by them. In the case of Kurkure the oil quantity used may not be much. Only children above the age of five should be given salty snacks. All food stuffs should be consumed in moderate quantities,” T. Shanthi Kaavery, a consulting dietician, told IANS.
From one variant in 1999, Kurkure has 40 variants and is also exported to several countries.
“Kurkure is made in our plants in Canada and Bangladesh. The product is exported to Gulf countries.”
She said the organised Indian snack food market is around Rs 17,000 crore and is logging double digit growth.
Gupta said the company offers various regional flavours under Kurkure brand.
HKV loses sheen after outlets' sealing
Sealing these eateries has not only led to big losses for the owners but has affected the livelihood of 700 employees as well
After the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) sealed 21 restaurants in the Hauz Khas Village (HKV) on Saturday, the mood at the upscale market remained sombre on Sunday. Most of these eateries did not have proper environmental clearances, some did not have other licences while none of them followed the waste norms.
The sealing of the restaurants ruined many a plans, including that of a student who was headed to the market to celebrate his birthday. The shutting of his favourite eatery dampened his mood. Taking it in his stride, however, he said: "If the government is taking steps to benefit our environment, then we should cooperate as well."
The HKV Traders Association did not seem to have this benign outlook. "The sealing of these eateries, five of which are not even on the notified commercial street of Hauz Khas Village, is undemocratic and against the very concept of the Ease of Doing Business," Satinder Sarna, President of the association, said.
He added: "We need to have a chance to give our suggestions and work in partnership with the government, rather than being blamed for the inadequacy of the infrastructure. That is the responsibility of the state, for which we pay taxes."
Sealing these eateries has not only led to big losses for the owners but has affected the livelihood of 700 employees as well. The employees have now come out on the streets to protest against the DPCC decision.
Varun Bansal, owner of one of the eateries, Rehab Cafe, said his outlet was sealed even though it had clearances from the MCD Health Department, Delhi Police, Food Safety and Standards Authority (FSSAI), Tourism and Excise Department, and even the Consent to Establish certificate.
"They could not have done it legally or ideally. It only shows that whenever the government mechanism wants, they can shut us down. But why, despite having all these licenses? It seems to be an action taken under pressure rather than on the basis of documents," Bansal said.
95% of food outlets illegal in Srinagar ‘Of 30,000 units, only 2,000 registered’
Nearly 30,000 illegal food units are operating in Srinagar, putting the health of millions of people at risk, Food Safety Department officials revealed on Wednesday.
Official sources told Kashmir Reader that these thousands of illegal food manufacturing and sale units are running without registration and license due to the paucity of staff and infrastructure at the Drug and Food Control Organisation (DFCO).
“Only five Food Safety Officers (FSOs) are working in Srinagar district, which has more than 30,000 food outlets. Only 2000 of these outlets are registered with the Food Safety Department,” a senior DFCO official said, wishing anonymity, told Reader.
According to him, only 700 food units in Srinagar district have been issued licenses by the DFCO.
“Of the 2000 legal food units, 1300 have an annual turnover of less than Rs 12 lakh and are registered under the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. The rest 700 have annual turnover of more than Rs 12 lakh,” the official said, quoting from records.
A Food Safety Officer told Kashmir Reader that the illegal units are mostly located in downtown areas. “They hardly meet the food safety standards, but escape checks due to their location and lack of human resource in the department,” he said.
“We are overburdened as there is no supporting staff in our department. There are hardly any Samplers, Field Workers and Assistants, to conduct field inspections in the city,” said another officer.
He said the FSOs had to do many assignments at a time, including VIP duty and attending to court proceedings.
“How can we check thousands of food units single-handedly?” he asked.
Assistant Commissioner Food Safety, Srinagar, Hilal Ahmad Mir admitted that only 2000 food units are registered in the district. However, he said, there is no confirmed data regarding the total number of food units operating in the district.
“Their number is huge, as hundreds of such units come up every month,” he said.
Last week, the food safety department prosecuted an illegal food unit, Moozin’s Pizza in Karan Nagar.
“The pizza unit was running without registration. We received a complaint from a customer that she suffered food poisoning due to the pizza sold by this outlet. We have prepared the prosecution case against the owner and he will be fined up to Rs 2 lakh,” Mir said.
In May this year, the government imposed a penalty of Rs 2.1 lakh on ten food operators for selling and manufacturing adulterated and substandard products.
A penalty of Rs 80,000 was levied on manufacturers of the Snow Cap milk brand, which is run by a government-supported cooperative, Jammu and Kashmir Milk Producers Cooperative Limited (JKMPCL), situated at Cheshma Shahi.
In July, the department prosecuted 35 businesses operators for selling and manufacturing substandard and adulterated food products.
The department has started a fresh crackdown on food establishments, including manufacturers, for running their units illegally.
Officials told Reader that food business operators have been warned to desist from the malpractice of food adulteration.
“Stern action under Food Safety and Standards Act shall be initiated against those who sell adulterated and counterfeit food products,” said the Assistant Commissioner.
Sep 24, 2017
Milk adulteration: 37 per cent of samples collected in one year fail FDA test
In cases where the milk was found to be substandard, FDA officials have filed cases before the adjudication officers, and in some cases compounding fees of Rs 10,000 has been levied.
BACK in 2007, Maharashtra had emerged as a major centre for milk adulteration, and 10 years later, the situation doesn’t seem to have changed much. An RTI application filed by The Indian Express with the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) revealed that milk adulteration continues unabated in Pune, with more than 37 per cent of milk samples failing the FDA’s quality test in the last one year.
Last year, the FDA had collected 142 milk samples for testing, of which 53 failed the test, revealed the reply to the RTI query. The samples were collected from both dairies and shops, and results of 17 samples are yet to be received by the office.
The standard parameters for testing milk — checking for fat content, urea content, presence of foreign objects and more — is listed by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). The local unit of the FDA collects samples to test them regularly. FSSAI has also laid down certain norms regarding the hygiene of the collection centres as well as the temperature at which milk has to be pasteurised and stored. Flavoured milk, paneer and milk powder are also tested and if some of the samples are found substandard, action is initiated against the dairies they came from.
In cases where the milk was found to be substandard, FDA officials have filed cases before the adjudication officers, and in some cases compounding fees of Rs 10,000 has been levied.
Samples from popular dairies such as Gokul and Katraj were taken for testing and found to be consistent with the set standards. Several samples collected from smaller dairies, which procure milk from unorganised players, failed the quality test. Of the 2.50 crore litres of milk collected daily in Maharashtra, around 1.25 crore litres is by the organised sector while the rest is from unorganised players.
The FSSAI has mandated licensing norms for dairies and most of the organised dairies, both cooperative and private, have to renew them on an annual basis. Reports about adulteration in smaller dairies is a matter of concern for Pune residents as many of them depend on such dairies for their milk supply, and these dairies also procure milk for larger dairies.
However, Rajiv Mitra, managing director of the Phaltan-based Govind Milk and Milk Products, assured that established players have multiple levels of checking, which help them weed out adulterated milk right at the source. “Other than fats, solid-not-fat and proteins, we also check for antibiotics and alcohol in milk. In case the milk is found to contain alcohol or antibiotics, we reject them at the procurement centre itself,” he said. Mitra claimed that chances of adulteration at the processing plants of major milk producers were non-existent due to the quality standards maintained by them.
Consumer rights activist Sudhakar Velankar, on the other hand, pointed out that most of the adulteration takes place while the milk is being sold door-to-door and the samples should be checked “at the sale point rather than at dairies”. Meanwhile, concerned citizens have called for widening the testing net to include both organised and unorganised players in the market.
Pune-based activist Vijay Kumbhar demanded that the names of dairies and milk producers, which fail the quality test, should be posted online to raise awareness about the issue. “This was a standard practice earlier, but it has been stopped now,” he said.
Expired food items worth Rs 40,000 seized, destroyed
Erode: In a surprise raid on Saturday, district food safety officials seized expired food products worth Rs 40,000 from food and beverage outlets in the city bus stand and its surrounding areas.
The seized products were later destroyed.
Officials attached to the Tamil Nadu Food Safety and Drug Administrative Department (TNFSDAD) led by the district designated officer Dr T Kalaivani carried out the raid in eatery shops, including bakeries and hotels, and found expired soft drinks bottles, biscuit packets and packet juices.
Kalaivani issued show-cause notices to the shop owners who were found selling expired food products. "We also have advised the shop owners not to sell expired food items to customers as it will affect their health," Kalaivani said.
Adding that the department will conduct many such raids across the district in the coming days, Kalaivani appealed the people to lodge complaints against the shop owners who were selling expired food items through WhatsApp number 9444042322 or her office number 0424-2223545. "People can also come to TNFSDAD office in person to lodge complaints and information about complainants will be kept secret," she said.
Adulterated ghee unit raided
Officials of Food Safety Department raided an adulterated ghee manufacturing unit at Kedareswarapeta here and seized a huge quantity of spurious ghee and raw material on Sunday.
On a tip-off, the officials conducted checks and found that one Subramanyam and his partner were preparing fake products.
The Eggs You Eat Might Be Contaminated And Can Lead To Many Deadly Diseases
The Eggs You Eat Might Be Contaminated And Can Lead To Many Deadly Diseases
Egg contamination often goes unnoticed since egg is often considered as a food product that cannot get infected. A lot of people think that proper cooking methods can eliminate any risk of contamination of eggs. But often these get contaminated at poultry farms since hens are warm blooded animals and are hence more prone to infections. Food contamination is a major health issue that is being faced by the world at the moment.
Salmonella, E.coli and other pathogens often find their way in the food chain through poultry, contaminated water and dairy. Salmonella is one of the leading causes of food poisoning. Cattle rearing and poultry farms are often breeding grounds for the pathogen. If the udders of cows are infected, the milk also gets infected. In the same way, eggs may get infected when baby chicks and ducklings carry the bacteria. In fact, eggs are one of the most common carriers of the infection. The pathogen may also be found in animal faeces.
Another factor that contributes to the contamination of eggs is the lack of proper hygiene in the poultry and rearing farms. International sanitation standards are not met. Also, faulty rearing practices aid in the growth of bacteria and other pathogens. Developed countries ensure the sterilization of eggs to prevent the growth of bacteria on eggs. No such practices our prevalent in India. Indian eggs are often rejected for export since chemical residues are found on the shells.
Recently, a number of eggs from the local markets were tested and salmonella residues were found on them. Lack of food safety procedures and poor transport facilities are also responsible for the drop in egg quality. The FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) has laid down parameters, stating that egg shells must be free of blood rings and must not be soiled or having faecal matter. Sometimes the way the egg is cooked might transfer the bacteria to other food items.
Egg storage at home
In most households, egg is directly stored in the refrigerator after it is brought from the market. However, this is not the case with other food items like vegetables, fruits, fish and meat. Sometimes pathogens from egg shells might spread to other food items that are kept in the fridge.
There are several ways that can be followed to prevent eggs from getting contaminated. Organic eggs should always be preferred and you must try knowing the source of the eggs. Eggs should always be placed in the fridge only after proper washing. Consume them within couple of weeks after buying.
Always wrap paper in a plastic before you store them in the fridge and avoid storing them without a cover. The ideal temperature for storing eggs is 35-40 degrees Celsius. If eggs are taken out from the refrigerator they should be consumed within few hours and should not be kept lying around naked. Always wash your hands after breaking eggs and never consume eggs raw.
If you experience symptoms of contamination like dehydration, nausea, stomach ache, cramps and diarrhoea even after taking these precautions, rush to the nearest doctor as soon as possible.
Delhi High Court stays order banning use of silver leaf made using animal material
Traditionally, intestines of certain animals are used to manufacture silver leaf that is commonly used on several Indian sweets and spices
Government had banned use of silver leaf, popularly known as chandi-ka-varq, made with any material of animal origin.
Delhi High Court stalls the government directive to ban use of silver leaf, popularly known as chandi-ka-varq, made with any material of animal origin.
Country’s top food regulator— Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), last year had notified that silver leaf couldn’t be manufactured using any animal material of animal origin at any stage.
The notification was effective from August 1, 2016, and action could have been taken against those manufacturers who still used animal parts to make chandi varq.
However, in a fresh directive issued recently, FSSAI said ‘the effect and operation of the said notification is stayed till next hearing’.
The order was stayed after some manufacturers went to court against the directive, citing loss of livelihood for several workers in the business as one of the reasons.
The petitioners challenged the animal part clause, saying the varq was produced by traditional process which is secret knowledge and passed through generations. And it does not contain any contaminants to the quality and characteristic of the silver leaf. Also a complete class of workmen (more than 1,50,000) who are engaged in the business will be rendered jobless.
Traditionally, intestines of animals such as cow, buffalo, bulls etc. are used to manufacture silver leaf that is commonly used on several Indian sweets, spices such as cardamom and paan etc.
The intestines are obtained from the slaughterhouses and silver is placed between layers of intestines and hammered thin for use.
The thought probably is appalling not just for vegetarians but even for many non-vegetarians.
As a respite, the apex food safety regulator had proposed a complete ban on use of animal parts to manufacture these leaves.
The preparation method is also considered unhygienic apart from being a big turn off.
Modern machinery is equipped of manufacturing fine silver leaves, which bypasses the traditional method.
“The stay is on till the next hearing, let’s wait for what the court directs next,” said an FSSAI official.
800 kg of unhygienic food seized in Chennai
Raids conducted at shops, hotels at Broadway bus stand
Following complaints of unwholesome food, a team of officials from the Tamil Nadu Food Safety Department seized about 800 kg of unhygienic food items during raids conducted on shops and small hotels at the Broadway bus stand on Friday.
The department had recently launched a helpline number, 9444042322, to which city residents can register their complaints through Whatsapp. The officials also pasted posters displaying the Whatsapp number at shops to enable customers to register their complaints.
“We received about 500 complaints from across the State in the past two months through the helpline. In Chennai, nearly 85 complaints were received so far,” said R. Kathiravan, Designated Officer, Food Safety Department, Chennai.
On Saturday, a team of 10 officials inspected 37 shops and small hotels at the Broadway bus stand. The team checked for unhygienic food and products without proper labels.
“We found that 32 shops were selling unwholesome and unhygienic food. About 800 kg of food, including those with artificial synthetic food colour, were seized from the shops. Civil cases have been filed against the shops,” Mr. Kathiravan said.
Sep 22, 2017
How to eat without feeling guilty this festive season
Every time we eat festive sweets and savouries, it is accompanied by a feeling of guilt. It’s fried. It’s loaded with sugar. It’s high on carbs. It’s not healthy
Over the last few years, though, it has become possible to indulge ourselves without feeling guilty.
The festive season has arrived. And if you are like me, in the past couple of weeks, you would have gorged on sweet modaks during the 10-day Ganesh festival; meethi sevaiyan or sheer khurma on Bakr-Id; and payasam or ada pradhaman during Onam. And these do not even cover half the sweets that you would have indulged in.
Over the next four months through Navratri, Dussehra, Diwali and Christmas, there will be a number of occasions to buy, gift and even make at home traditional sweets and savories like besan ladoos, chakri and mathris.
This represents a dichotomy between our love of eating and the need to eat healthy. Every time we eat festive sweets and savouries, it is accompanied by a feeling of guilt. It’s fried. It’s loaded with sugar. It’s high on carbs. It’s not healthy.
Over the last few years, though, it has become possible to indulge ourselves without feeling guilty. At least that’s what retailers and marketers would have you believe.
Health and wellness is one of the fastest growing categories in India. Go to any supermarket store and look at the shelves. There are rows after rows lined with healthy food and beverage options. They include cereals, juices, low-fat dairy products, low-carb snacks, diet colas, dark chocolates, baked chips, sugar-free sweets, baked chakris, roasted crisps, multigrain biscuits and breads, oats, quinoa, ragi and other cereals.
About a year ago, I followed a gluten-free and vegan diet for a month. After a few days of eating moong dal khichri and jowar and ragi bhakris with vegetables, I started to look for alternatives that met my new dietary requirements. I found zoodles, a pasta replacement, and chocolate cake made with quinoa flour and almond milk for dessert. Everything that I was avoiding from breads to pasta to dessert and dairy was available in an alternative format suitable to my diet. Needless to say, I indulged.
Even traditional sweets and savouries are available in a new avatar as diet chips, diet chivda and baked chakri at any large super market or specialty food stores. These alternatives claim to reduce, replace or limit either the sugar or oil used in making them.
In retail stores like Neelam Foodland in Khar, Mumbai, diet, baked and roasted savouries like roasted baked besan sev (gram flour crips) and low fat makai (corn) chakri make up 25-30% of overall sales. The category accounted for just 5% of its overall sales three years-ago, says Manoj Gaikwad, 32, a member of the second generation at the 37-year-old family business, which caters largely to the urban rich and claims it can deliver its products all over the world.
According to Gaikwad, three years ago, there were less than 100 units that made up the category. Today there are close to 700 items and the list is steadily growing.
So, how healthy are these emerging alternatives?
Although marketers claim that their products are healthy, they may not be telling the whole truth. For instance, not all diet and baked items are oil-free. They could be semi-fried. “It’s not possible to make a baked chakri,” says Prabhod Halde, president-elect, Association of Food Scientists and Technologists, explaining that the technology to make oil-free food is not yet being used.
Also, something that has less oil could instead have high salt content. Even the kind of artificial sweetener used presents its own share of complexities. If it’s low on carbs, it could be high on preservatives.
So, what’s the solution? The key is awareness—reading labels. Make sure to buy products with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) certification. “If the FSSAI certification and the nutri-table is missing, then it’s best to avoid such packaged items, no matter what the claims,” says Nandan Joshi, head, health and nutrition science, Danone India.
The labelling, which is usually different from the claims made on front of the pack, will tell the whole truth, says nutritionist Sheryl Salis, who has written and spoken about food fraud at various forums.
Some of the common claims made on mass produced breads and biscuits which are marketed as healthy include oat biscuits and multigrain breads. The percentage of oats or whole cereals in such packaged foods is usually 4-12%. Even flavoured yoghurt and packaged fruit juice considered to be healthy are usually high on sugar. Likewise flavoured makhana will need to be sprayed with oil to absorb the spices.
May be it’s time to revisit our beliefs. After years of being told that ghee consumption was a cause of high cholesterol, we now hear that it is good for health. Likewise for egg yolk.
So instead of falling prey to research studies and marketing claims, maybe it’s time to return to our roots. “Home food is better than processed food which comes with preservatives to enhance shelf life,” says Sulakshana Mane, a professor at Sir Vithaldas Thackersey College of Home Science’s department of food, nutrition and dietetics at SNDT Women’s University, Mumbai.
Follow a balanced diet and practise moderation during the festive season. Go ahead and celebrate. Eat a gulab jamun and make chakris at home. But make sure you keep away from second helpings.
Shop Talk will take a weekly look at consumer trends, behaviour and insights.
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