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.
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