Food adulteration taking heavy toll on public health

Monitoring committees confined to papers

SRINAGAR, Dec 11: Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed increase in food adulteration despite framing of various committees for strict implementation of Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, in the state. In the last few months, Food Safety Department has seized food articles and imposed fines for selling sub-standard foods. Last month, sources said that around Rs 1.5 lakh fine was imposed on food outlets for selling sub-standard food items. These included restaurants owners, traditional bakers, milk vendors and butchers. 

Sources said that during the inspection, many restaurants, bakery shops, and butchers were found processing food in total unhygienic conditions. "Some of them have been using synthetic colours in many popular food items," an official said. In July, the department prosecuted 35 businesses operators for selling and manufacturing substandard and adulterated food products. He said that they took action based on various complaints received from the people. The official said that thousands of food outlets in Srinagar are putting the health of millions of people at risk. "Like in Srinagar, sub-standard foods are taking a heavy toll on the people of Jammu region," the official said. The government in 2014 constituted a high powered steering committee for effective and smooth implementation of Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. It was headed by the Chief Secretary and included several administrative secretaries. The committee according to sources was formed in backdrop of complaints of food adulteration. However, nothing has happened so far. "Such committees have been confined to papers only," sources said. The Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006 came into force across the country in August 2011. The Act was also to ensure improved quality of food for the consumers and censure misleading claims and advertisement by those in food business. The committee has to take a complete review of the ground realities, officers performing the duties under the Act, method of sampling, testing and further follow up action on the basis of misbranded samples. "So for, we did not see any difference. Instead the food adulteration has increased over the years," the official added.

He said the Act was not being executed properly in the state and adulterated food items were being openly sold in markets without any check from the government. The Central government had also asked the state government many times to ensure proper implementation of the Act.