‘We need to redefine food security’

Dietary intake of many do not meet nutrient requirements: VC

Prof. K.S. Rangappa Vice Chancellor, University of Mysore presenting the AFSTI Fellow award to Dr. KSMA. Raghavaro during the 7th International Food Convention-2013 in Mysore on Wednesday.PHOTO: — M.A. SRIRAM

Vice-Chancellor of University of Mysore K.S. Rangappa, on Wednesday, emphasised the need to redefine food security for accessing nutritious and safe food.

“Though we are in a modern technological and scientifically advanced era, we still have to deal with disease outbreaks related to consumption of foods,” he said.

Inaugurating the 7th International Food Convention (IFCON-2013) on ‘NSURE (Nutritional Security through Sustainable Development, Research and Education) – Healthy Foods’ here, the Vice-Chancellor said any policy that speaks to promote food and nutritional security and sustainability should adequately address the issues of food safety too.

Association of Food Scientists and Technologists (India) organised the four-day convention, with support from CSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI), Mysore; DRDO-Defence Food Research Laboratory (DFRL), Mysore, and National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management (NIFTEM), Kundli, Haryana.

Addressing a gathering of food scientists from India and abroad, Prof. Rangappa said in spite of considerable reduction in food insecurity in the last two decades, dietary intake of large segments of population do not meet the energy and nutrient requirements, thereby leading to widespread under-nutrition and micro-nutrient deficiencies.

He said lesser physical activity and food intake beyond requirements can lead to adverse health consequences, especially those related to over nutrition.

Food database

India has been in the forefront of creating National Food and Nutrition Databases, documenting the ongoing agriculture, food, nutrition and health transitions, he said.

Also, he said that Indian scientists have had a major role in these global efforts to moderate these measures to ensure smooth transition in terms of food security and sustainability in relation to nutrition and health.

However, in spite of relatively good performance in economic, agriculture and health sectors, and substantial investment in nutrition sectors, the country has lagged behind in addressing under-nutrition or over-nutrition alike, Prof. Rangappa opined.

CSIR-CFTRI Director Ram Rajashekaran, DRDO-DFRL Director H.V. Batra, NIFTEM Director and Vice-Chancellor Ajit Kumar, AAFSIS president Navam S. Hettiarachchy, AFST-I president K.D. Yadav and honorary secretary N. Bhaskar were present.

AFST-I awards

On the occasion, the AFST-I awards were presented to eminent scientists.

AFST-I Fellow was presented to K.S.M.S Raghav Rao, chief scientist, CSIR-CFTRI, Mysore; Laljee Godhoo Smarak Nidhi award to P. Giridhar, Principal Scientist, CSIR-CFTRI, Mysore; Prof. Jiwan Singh Sidhu award to Bimlesh Mann, scientist, NDRI, Karnal. Other scientists also received awards.

Novel foods

Prior to the opening of IFCON-2013, Dr. Rajashekaran spoke on ‘Novel foods: a food for thought!’ at the plenary talks as part of the convention. John Ruff, immediate past president, IFT, U.S., gave a talk on ‘The challenges in assuring food safety and security: a global perspective.’

Green milk

Designer green milk, a new product developed by a team of CSIR-CFTRI scientists, led by Dr. Rajashekaran, was unveiled in the presence food scientists and technologists.

The green milk is described as “the food for future” as it is designed to address the nutritional needs and processed from locally available plant sources.

There was an interaction on this product after the presentation by Dr. Rajashekaran.

The delegates had the opportunity to taste the green milk.

Food expo

Technical sessions and food expo will be held on the campus of CSIR-CFTRI from Thursday. Poster session is also scheduled from Thursday. There will be 21 sessions and about 100 eminent professionals from research institutions, academia and industry will deliver talks on topics including food security and sustainability, food process and engineering, food health and nutrition, food entrepreneurship and so on.

DINAMALAR NEWS

சேலம் உணவு பாதுகாப்பு அலுவலர் இடமாற்றம் அ.தி.மு.க., பிரமுகர் ஆலையில் ஆய்வு நடத்தியதால் பலிகடா

சேலம்: சேலம் மாவட்ட உணவு பாதுகாப்பு அலுவலர் அனுராதா, நாமக்கல் மாவட்ட ஆரம்ப சுகாதார நிலையத்துக்கு இடமாற்றம் செய்யப்பட்டுள்ளார். அ.தி.மு.க., பிரமுகர் சேகோ ஆலையில் ஆய்வு மேற்கொண்டதால், அவர் பலிகடா ஆக்கப்பட்டுள்ளார் என, அதிகாரிகள் தெரிவித்தனர்.
சேலம் மாவட்ட உணவு பாதுகாப்பு அலுவலர் அனுராதா, மாவட்டத்தில் உள்ள கலப்பட பொருட்கள், போதைப் பொருட்கள், காலாவதியான பொருட்களை பறிமுதல் செய்து, சம்மந்தப்பட்டவர்கள் மீது நடவடிக்கை மேற்கொண்டு வந்தார். ஆத்தூரில், அ.தி.மு.க., பிரமுகர் சதாசிவம் என்பவருக்கு சொந்தமான, பத்துக்கும் மேற்பட்ட ஆலைகளில், ஜவ்வரிசியை அவர் ஆய்வு செய்தார். இதற்கு, சதாசிவம் தரப்பில் இருந்து கடும் எதிர்ப்பு எழுந்தது.
உள்ளூர் அமைச்சர் மற்றும் அ.தி.மு.க., உயர்மட்ட நிர்வாகிகள் ஆதரவில் உள்ள சதாசிவம், உணவு பாதுகாப்பு அலுவலர் அனுராதாவை, அநாகரீகமான வார்த்தைகளில் பேசி மிரட்டினார். அதைத்தொடர்ந்து, ஆத்தூர் போலீஸில் அனுராதா புகார் அளித்தார். ஜாமீன் பெறுவதற்காக சதாசிவம் நீதிமன்றத்துக்கு அலைந்து கொண்டிருக்கிறார். இந்நிலையில், அவரை இடமாற்றம் செய்ய அமைச்சர் தரப்பில் முயற்சி மேற்கொள்ளப்பட்டு வருவதாக, நேற்றைய, "காலைக்கதிர்' நாளிதழில் செய்தி வெளியானது.
சென்னையில் இன்று நடக்கும் உணவு பாதுகாப்பு அலுவலர்கள் ஆய்வு கூட்டத்துக்கு அனுராதா சென்றுள்ள நிலையில், நாமக்கல் மாவட்டம், குருசாமிபாளையம் ஆரம்ப சுகாதார நிலையத்துக்கு அவர் இடமாற்றம் செய்யப்பட்டுள்ளதாக உத்தரவு வந்துள்ளது. சேலம் அலுவலகத்தில் பணியாற்றும் ஊழியர்கள் அந்த உத்தரவை கண்டு அதிர்ச்சியடைந்துள்ளனர்.
நாமக்கல் மாவட்ட உணவு பாதுகாப்பு அலுவலர் தமிழ்செல்வன், கூடுதல் பொறுப்பாக, சேலம் மாவட்டத்தையும் கவனிப்பார் என தகவல் வந்துள்ளது. தவறு செய்த, அ.தி.மு.க., பிரமுகர் மீது நடவடிக்கை எடுக்காமல், நேர்மையாக செயல்பட்ட உணவு அதிகாரி பலிகடா ஆக்கப்பட்டிருப்பது டாக்டர்கள் மத்தியில் அதிர்ச்சியை ஏற்படுத்தி உள்ளது.
இந்த இடமாற்றம் தொடர்பாக முதல்வர் வரை, புகார் அனுப்ப உள்ளதாக டாக்டர்கள் தெரிவித்தனர்.

SMC files case against Kanwal Group

Srinagar, December 18: Tightening nose against the Kanwal Agro Food Industries for using the substandard spices, Srinagar Municipality Committee (SMC), Health Department Wednesday has prepared a prosecution case against the Company under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

The Health Department of SMC has also sent a checking squad in the summer capital to restrain shopkeepers from selling the product.

Health Officer Srinagar Municipal Corporation, Dr Shafqat Khan said that they have prepared the case against the company and have send the copies to the Magistrate and Additional Deputy Director of Srinagar.

Khan said that they have also conduct the market survey all day long to check whether any products were still in consumption.

“We raided many shops across the Srinagar city to remove the product bearing no. KA/SP/E with packaging date June 04, 2013 that were declared unsafe and hazards for consumption. However, no such product were found in the market,” Khan said.

Khan said that they gathered more samples of the product and sent them to the laboratory to conduct more tests.

“We are collecting some more samples and will send them to the Central Testing Laboratory Kolkatta for more tests,” Khan said.

Health officer said that are many other companies in loop which use ‘deadly’ chemicals in the product.

“There are many other big companies that are also using some harmful chemicals and we have ample amount of evidence against them which will be made public in due course of time,” Khan said.

About company’s refusal over the report, Khan said that they have themselves lifted back the product from the market which clearly states their involvement.

Notably, the Health Officer Srinagar Municipal Corporation Dr Shafqat Khan Monday had reported that a sample of Saunf powder manufactured by M/S Kanwal Agro Food Industries Anantnag sold to the public in Valley contained ‘coloring agents’ that can prove deadly for the consumers.

The report had stated that the spice contains coloring agents like Carmoisine and Tartrazine which can cause serious health hazards on consumption.

However, the company Tuesday termed the claims made by the health officer ‘as hollow’ and said that it would initiate legal action against Dr Shafqat Khan for maligning the image and credibility of the company.

Banned substances worth `56k seized

Airport PS officials on Monday seized banned gutkha, paan masala and tobacco, worth Rs 56,200, from a 32-year-old man, who had allegedly stored them for sale in Lohegaon. 

Food Safety Officer Sachin Adhav (34) of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has lodged a complaint in this regard. Police have identified the suspect as Raju Umaram Prajapati of Dhanori.

He has been charged under relevant sections of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Acting on a tip-off, a team led by PSI S S Chavan nabbed Prajapati for storing the banned substances in Kutwal Colony, Lohegaon on Monday afternoon. The seized substances included 140 packets of ‘Goa Gutkha, 211 packets of ‘Vimal Paan Masala’ and 305 packets of tobacco.

Few days back, PSI Ansar Shaikh of Pimpri police station seized export quality RMD gutkha worth Rs four lakh from 46-year-old Ashok Arjandas Ramnani in Pimpri Camp. 

DINAMALAR NEWS

பெண் அதிகாரியை இடமாற்றம் செய்ய மந்திரி திட்டம்? அ.தி.மு.க., பிரமுகர் ஆலையில் ஆய்வு செய்த "பாவம்'

சேலம்: சேகோ ஆலை ஆய்வுக்கு சென்ற சுகாதாரத்துறை பெண் அதிகாரியிடம், "உன் கணவர், உன் மகள் எங்கு இருக்கின்றனர் என்பது எனக்கு தெரியும், ஒழுங்காக அங்கிருந்து கிளம்பிவிடு' என, மொபைலில் மிரட்டிய, அ.தி.மு.க., பிரமுகரை கைது செய்யாமல், போலீஸார் வேடிக்கை பார்க்கின்றனர். அமைச்சர் உதவியுடன், பெண் அதிகாரியை இடமாற்றம் செய்வதற்கான முயற்சி மேற்கொள்ளப்பட்டுள்ளது. தமிழக அரசுக்கு களங்கம் ஏற்படுத்தியுள்ள, அ.தி.மு.க.,வினர் மீது, முதல்வர் நடவடிக்கை எடுக்க வேண்டும் என கோரிக்கை எழுந்துள்ளது.

சேலம் மாவட்ட உணவு பாதுகாப்பு அலுவலராக அனுராதா உள்ளார். ஓராண்டுக்கும் மேலாக இப்பணியில் உள்ள அவர், அனுமதியின்றி இயங்கும் கடைகள், சுகாதாரமற்ற வகையில் உள்ள பொருட்களை பறிமுதல் செய்து, சம்மந்தப்பட்ட நிறுவனங்கள் மீது நடவடிக்கை எடுத்து வருகிறார்.

குடிநீர், போதை வஸ்துகள், இனிப்பு வகை, உணவு பொருட்கள் பறிமுதல் செய்யப்பட்டு, பல நிறுவனங்கள் மீது வழக்கு தொடரப்பட்டுள்ளது.

சேகோ ஆலைகள் அதிகம் உள்ள பகுதியாக, ஆத்தூர், வாழப்பாடி, தலைவாசல் உள்ளிட்ட பகுதிகள் உள்ளன. இம்மாவட்டத்தில் மட்டும், 200க்கும் மேற்பட்ட ஆலைகள் உள்ளன. இங்கு உற்பத்தி செய்யப்படும், ஜவ்வரிசி வெளிமாநிலங்களுக்கு உணவுப் பொருளாக அனுப்பி வைக்கப்படுகிறது. வெளிர்நிறமாக கொண்டு வர, ஜவ்வரிசியுடன், அதிக விஷத்தன்மை கொண்ட ஒயிட்னரை கலக்கின்றனர். அவற்றை உட்கொள்ளும்போது, உடலில் பல்வேறு பாதிப்பு ஏற்படும்.

சில வாரங்களுக்கு முன், ஆத்தூர் பகுதியில் உள்ள பத்துக்கும் மேற்பட்ட சேகோ ஆலைகளில், மாவட்ட உணவு பாதுகாப்பு அலுவலர் அனுராதா ஆய்வு மேற்கொண்டார்.

ஃபோனில் மிரட்டல்

ஆத்தூர் பைத்தூர் ரோட்டில் உள்ள, அ.தி.மு.க., பிரமுகர் சதாசிவத்துக்கு சொந்தமான சேகோ ஆலையில் ஆய்வு மேற்கொண்டபோது, மொபைலில் பேசிய சதாசிவம், "நான், ஏற்காடு தேர்தல் பிரச்சாரத்தில் மந்திரியுடன் இருக்கிறேன். நீ, எங்கு போனாய், எங்கு வந்தாய் என்பது எனக்கு தெரியும். மற்ற ஆலைகளை விட்டு, என் ஆலையை மட்டும் ஏன் ஆய்வு செய்கிறாய், ஒழுங்காக அங்கிருந்து கிளம்பிவிடு. உன் கணவர், உன் மகள், எங்கு இருக்கின்றனர் என்பது எனக்கு தெரியும். ஈரோடு, நாமக்கல்லில் உள்ள அதிகாரிகள்...(மோசமான வார்த்தை உபயோகம்) வேலை பார்க்கின்றனர். உனக்கு மட்டும் ஏன் இந்த வேலை, தேர்தல் முடியட்டும் உன்னை என்ன செய்கிறேன் பார்' என, மிரட்டி உள்ளார்.

அதையடுத்து, ஜவ்வரிசியை ஆய்வுக்கு எடுத்துக்கொண்ட அனுராதா, கலெக்டர், எஸ்.பி.,யிடம் புகார் தெரிவித்தார். ஆத்தூர் இன்ஸ்பெக்டர் சம்பத்தை, சம்பவ இடத்துக்கு வரவழைத்து வீடியோ மூலம் ஆய்வுக்குரிய பொருளை எடுத்தார். மூன்று நாட்களுக்கு பின், ஆத்தூர் போலீஸ் ஸ்டேஷனில் அனுராதா புகார் செய்தார். வழக்குப்பதிவு செய்யப்பட்டதும், சதாசிவம் தலைமறைவாகி விட்டார். தொடர்ந்து, ஜாமீன் கேட்டு சென்னை உயர்நீதிமன்றத்துக்கு சென்று வருகிறார். ஆனால், அவரை கைது செய்யாமல் போலீஸ் வேடிக்கை பார்க்கின்றனர்.

தே.மு.தி.க.,வில் இருந்து தாவிய சதாசிவம், பெத்தநாயக்கன்பாளையம் இளங்கோவன் ஆதரவுடன், அ.தி.மு.க.,வில் இணைந்தார். அமைச்சர் இடைப்பாடி பழனிசாமி, இளங்கோவன் ஆகியோர், சதாசிவத்துக்கு ஆதரவாக இருப்பதாக கூறப்படுகிறது.

இடம்மாற்ற முயற்சி

இந்நிலையில், அனுராதாவை, கோவை மாவட்டத்துக்கு இடமாற்றம் செய்ய, அமைச்சர் மூலம் கவனிக்கப்பட்டுள்ளதாக தகவல் வெளியாகி உள்ளது. சேலத்தில், தி.மு.க.,வினரை மிஞ்சும் வகையில், அ.தி.மு.க.,வினர் ரவுடியிசம் செய்து வருவதை, முதல்வர் கண்டுகொள்ளாமல் இருக்கிறார். அரசுத்துறையில் உள்ள அதிகாரிக்கே பாதுகாப்பு இல்லாத நிலை உள்ளது என, எதிர்கட்சியினர் புகார் தெரிவிக்கின்றனர்.

லோக்சபா தேர்தல் நெருங்கும் வேளையில், உள்ளூர், அ.தி.மு.க., அமைச்சர் மற்றும் ஆதரவாளர்களின் நடவடிக்கை கண்டு பொதுமக்கள் கொதிப்படைந்துள்ளனர். சேலம் உள்ளூர் அமைச்சர் உள்ளிட்ட அ.தி.மு.க.,வினரின் நடவடிக்கையை கட்டுப்படுத்த தமிழக முதல்வர் ஜெயலலிதா, உடனடியாக நடவடிக்கை எடுக்க வேண்டும் என, பல்வேறு தரப்பினர் கோரிக்கை விடுத்துள்ளனர்.

ஜவ்வரிசியில் விஷத்தன்மை

மாவட்ட உணவு பாதுகாப்பு அலுவலர் அனுராதா கூறியதாவது:

அ.தி.மு.க., பிரமுகர் சதாசிவம் மிரட்டியது உண்மை தான். அதுமட்டுமின்றி, அநாகரீக வார்த்தைகளில் திட்டினார். ஆத்தூர் போலீஸில் புகார் அளித்தேன். இதுவரை அவர் கைது செய்யப்படவில்லை. நாங்கள், அவருடைய சேகோ ஆலையில், ஆய்வுக்கு எடுத்த ஜவ்வரிசியில், விஷத்தன்மை கொண்ட ஒயிட்னர் மிக்ஸிங் இருப்பது தெரியவந்தது. தற்போது, என்னை இடமாற்றம் செய்வதற்கான முயற்சியில் ஈடுபட்டுள்ளதாக கேள்விப்பட்டேன். என்னுடைய வேலையை நான் செய்கிறேன். கலெக்டர், எஸ்.பி.,யிடம், அப்போது நடந்த சம்பவங்களை கூறியுள்ளேன். வேறு ஒன்றும் சொல்வதற்கில்லை. இவ்வாறு அவர் கூறினார்.

Pesticides affect unborn babies' brain

Pesticides may harm 'brain development of unborn babies' 

Pesticides are not only responsible for a decline in bee populations but they can also affect human health and harm the brain development of unborn babies, according to European safety experts.

Researchers at the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) found that pesticide imidacloprid was associated with brain shrinkage, and reduced activity in nerve signals in newborn rats, while the other, acetamiprid led to reduced weight and reaction times, the Independent reported.

According to an EFSA statement, the chemicals may adversely affect the development of neurons and brain structures associated with functions such as learning and memory.

DINAMANI NEWS

Unhygienic meat seized from 37 shops in crackdown

Chennai: Inspections conducted by corporation officials on Sunday found that several butchers in the city were selling unhygienic meat. 

A team of corporation officials inspected 37 meat shops in areas like Villivakkam, Ayanavaram, Thirumangalam and Anna Nagar and seized 270kg of unhygienic meat. The confiscated meat was later destroyed at the Velangadu burial ground. 

A senior health department official said action would be taken against butchers selling unhygienic meat. “Meat being sold for consumption should be sourced from one of the three corporation slaughterhouses in Perambur, Saidapet or Villivakkam, where the animal is examined and approved for consumption,” the officer said. 

“After slaughtering, the animals are stamped with a seal. Meat from roadside shops without the corporation seal is unfit for consumption and may cause health problems,” the official said.

Detergent found in packaged milk It’s Sub-Standard, Unsafe And Misbranded: Central Food Laboratory

SriNagar, Dec 17: After the expose of spurious drug scam in Kashmir, it has now come to fore that a leading brand of packaged milk available in Kashmir market contains detergent.

An official report accessed by Greater Kashmir reveals that Central Food Laboratory Kolkata has confirmed the presence of detergent in a sample of milk lifted from Kashmir. The sample was tested in the laboratory on November 25 this year.

The laboratory report states that the sample has also failed to conform to various other standards stipulated under laws and regulations.

“The sample does not conform to the standards as laid down under Regulation no. 2.1.1(1) of Food Safety and Standards (Food Products and Food Additive) Regulations, 2011, since the sample shows milk fat and B.R. at 40 C (Extracted fat) lower than the prescribed limit,” the report states.

“It also contravenes regulation no. 2.2.2(10) and 2.2.2.4 (iii) of Food Safety and Standards (Packing and Labeling) Regulations, 2011, for not mentioning best-before date and symbol of veg. food on the label,” it adds.

The report terms the sample as “sub-standard, unsafe and misbranded.”

In 2012, a survey by Food Safety Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) revealed that 80 per cent of milk sold in Jammu and Kashmir contains adulterants.

Out of 18 samples picked up from different parts of the State by the FSSAI, 15 were found contaminated with glucose and skimmed milk powder.

The samples were tested as part of a survey to ascertain the quality of milk and identify different type of adulterations in the liquid milk throughout India.

Only yesterday, Fennel (Saunf) powder manufactured by a leading local company was found containing coloring agents Carmoisine and Tartrazine that are unsafe for human health.

Earlier this year, several medicines supplied to government hospitals were found of sub-standard quality.

Kanwal goes spicer as SMC health officer alleges harassment

Srinagar, Dec 17: Health Officer Srinagar Municipal Corporation Dr Shafqat Khan Tuesday alleged that he was threatened by the Kanwal Group for releasing the ‘Quality Test Report’ whereby it was found that company using harmful colouring agents in its spices, which can cause cancer.

“Instead of sending a legal notice, they (Kanwal) in the afternoon send Advocate Molvi Aijaz on behalf of Kanwal Group to my office and threaten me of dire consequences for releasing the report. He used unparliamentarily language against me,” Khan alleged.

Khan said that without any orders from the court, the advocate started asking him information about the procedure of conducting the tests.

Khan said that he has already filed the complaint against the Advocate at Shahid Gunj Police Station.

Khan said that a sample of Saunf powder manufactured by M/S Kanwal Agro Food Industries Anantnag sold to the public in Valley contained ‘coloring agents’ that can prove deadly for the consumers.

“A sample of Saunf powder manufactured by M/S Kanwal Agro Food Industries Anantnag bearing lot No. KA/SP/E, with packaging date June 04, 2013 has been declared unsafe and hazardous by the central Food laboratory Kolkata,” Dr Khan had said in a statement.

Khan said that the spice contains coloring agents like Carmoisine and Tartrazine which can cause serious health hazards on consumption.

However, the company Tuesday termed the claims made by the health officer ‘as hollow’ and said: we have initiated legal action against Dr Khan for maligning the image and credibility of the company.

The company said the fennel sample was sent to the office of the Public Analyst Kashmir who cleared the samples. “The concerned Health Officer, as per his statement, was dissatisfied with the report and thereof claims to have sent the counter samples fennel to the Central Testing Laboratory Kolkatta to counter

verify the sample for chemical characteristics and the report furnished by the laboratory claims that it found Carmoisine and Tartrazine were found in the tested samples,” Kanwal Agro said in a statement issued today.

“We have initiated legal action against the concerned Health Officer as no SOP’s have been followed in our case and the rules and regulation laid down in the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006 were not followed,” the statement issued by the leading spice manufacturer which supplies spices to nearly 30 countries across the globe read.

The company has directed all distributors, retailers and consumers to stop the sale or distribution of fennel and return the product so that it could be destroyed. “We reassure the general public that neither Carmoisine nor Tartrazine are mixed in our fennel nor can it be mixed since that would impart red or yellow colour to the product,” the statement reads.

The company has formed a team which is lifting the adultered spice from the market. However, Dr Shafqat Khan said that he stand by his report and is ready for any legal action.

“I am ready for any legal action if proved wrong. I stand by my report and won’t change it under any threat or pressure,” Khan said.

Meanwhile Station Head Officer Shahid Gunj Police Station, Sajad Sarwar said that they have received the complaint and were investigating the case.

“We have received the complaint and have started the investigation,” Sarwar told Rising Kashmir.

SMC sticks to report: 'We have ‘tentacles in system’: Kanwal's lawyer

Kanwal group was founded by Mohammad Amin whose son, Farooq Amin (above) is the present CEO of the company. 

SRINAGAR — A Kashmiri lawyer who claimed to represent Kanwal Agro Food Industries barged into the office of Srinagar Municipal Corporation Tuesday and threatened the officers with dire consequences for making public a report which had revealed that the a spice manufactured by Kanwal group contained carcinogenic substances.

A senior SMC official wishing anonymity said the lawyer, Molvi Aijaz, who was appointed as amicus curie in the infamous Kashmir Sex Scandal, barged into the SMC office and harassed the officers who had sanctioned an investigation into the saunf powder manufactured by Kanwal group. 

“He threatened that Kanwal group had tentacles everywhere in the system and that SMC had committed a big mistake by making the report public,” he said. 

A forensic test by Kolkata’s Central Food Laboratory Monday revealed that the powder contained Carmoisine and Tartrazine which can cause serious health hazards including cancer. 

However, Kanwal group Tuesday issued a statement that the company has initiated legal action against an SMC health officer for ‘maligning the image and credibility of the company’. 

“The sample was sent to the office of the Public Analyst Kashmir Province who cleared the samples as unadulterated and fit for consumption. The concerned health officer was dissatisfied with the report. We have initiated legal action against the concerned Health Officer as no SOP's have been followed in our case and the rules and regulation laid down in the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006 were not followed,” the company statement reads. 

However, a senior SMC official told Authint Mail that if the saunf powder was unadultered, as claimed by Kanwal, why was it lifted back from the market. 

“If the saunf is indeed free of carcinogens, what was the need of lifting the product back from market? They are even claiming to have destroyed the spice. If the product is clean, what is the need of destroying it and incurring losses” he said. 

Despite repeated attempts, officials of Kanwal group could not be reached for their comment.

No harmful chemicals in our spices: Kanwal Agro

SRINAGAR: Kanwal Agro Food Industries has denied claims of Srinagar Municipal Corporation that its Sounf (fennel) seed powder was injurious to health.

"The company feels that the procedures adopted by the Health Officer of Srinagar Municipal Corporation Dr Shafkat for testing of the said spice is aimed at maligning the image of the company as he has not adhered to the set rules for lifting of the samples and their testing under the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006 and rules/regulation 2011" Director Kanwal Agro Food Industries said in a statement.

The statement said that legal action has been initiated against the official "for not following standard operating procedure(SOP) in testing the samples.”

"We reassure the general public that neither Carmoisine nor Tartrazine are mixed in our Sounf powder nor can it be mixed since that would impart red or yellow colour to the product," the statement said.

Row over Kashmir brand spice: Kanwal initiates legal action

A row has erupted after a government-run civic corporation accused a Kashmir spice-producing company of using harmful colouring agents in fennel which can even cause cancer.

The Srinagar Municipal Corporation says consuming fennel produced by Kanwal Agro Food Industries can lead to serious health problems. But the company says it has initiated legal action against the SMC officer who issued the directive on Monday. 

SMC, health officer, Dr Shafqat Khan says the tests on a sample of the spice – bearing lot No. KA/SP/E-Pkg dated 04/06/2013 – were conducted by the Central Food laboratory, Kolkata The fennel is produced in the Anantnag unit of the company. 

The company Tuesday termed the claims made by the health officer ‘as hollow’ and said: we have initiated legal action against Dr Khan for maligning the image and credibility of the company. 

Dr Khan had said the fennel (sounf powder) produced by the company contained Carmoisine and Tartrazine which are unsafe. 

The company said the fennel sample was sent to the office of the Public Analyst Kashmir who cleared the samples. “The concerned Health Officer, as per his statement, was dissatisfied with the report and thereof claims to have sent the counter samples fennel to the Central Testing Laboratory Kolkatta to counter verify the sample for chemical characteristics and the report furnished by the laboratory claims that it found Carmoisine and Tartrazine were found in the tested samples,” Kanwal Agro said in a statement issued today.

Studies have found Carmoisine and Tartrazine to cause cancer in humans and both the chemicals have been banned in almost all the developed countries, however owing to cost cutting measures many developing countries continue to use these chemicals. 

“We have initiated legal action against the concerned Health Officer as no SOP's have been followed in our case and the rules and regulation laid down in the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006 were not followed,” the statement issued by the leading spice manufacturer which supplies spices to nearly 30 countries across the globe read. 

The company has directed all distributors, retailers and consumers to stop the sale or distribution of fennel and return the product so that it could be destroyed. “We reassure the general public that neither Carmoisine nor Tartrazine are mixed in our fennel nor can it be mixed since that would impart red or yellow colour to the product,” the statement reads. 

The company has formed a team which is lifting the adultered spice from the market.

'Brand Kashmir being maligned': Kanwal Industries

‘Have initiated legal action against SMC Health Officer

Srinagar, Dec 17: Kanwal Agro Food Industries Anantnag Tuesday termed the claims made by a Health Officer of Srinagar Municipal Corporation as hollow and void and said that the company has initiated legal action against the said officer for maligning the image and credibility of the company. 

Pertinently, SMC Health Officer in a statement on Monday had asked people to refrain from using Saunf powder manufactured by M/S Kanwal Agro Food Industries Anantnag as according to him it contained added coloring matter namely Carmoisine and Tartrazine that are unsafe for health. 

The Kanwal Industries has said that the sample Saunf powder was sent to the office of the Public Analyst Kashmir Province who cleared the samples as unadulterated and fit for consumption. The concerned Health Officer, as per his statement, was “dissatisfied with the report” of the PFA Kashmir and thereof claims to have sent the counter samples of the Sounf Powder to the Central Testing Laboratory Kolkatta to counter verify the sample for chemical characteristics and the report furnished by the said laboratory claims that it found that colour additives, namely Carmoisine and Tartrazine were found in the tested samples. 

“We have initiated legal action against the concerned Health Officer as no SOP's have been followed in our case and the rules and regulation laid down in the the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006 were not followed,” the Company statement reads. 

Meanwhile Company has directed all distributors, retailers and consumers to stop the sale or distribution of Sounf powder bearing batch No KA/SP/E/PKG. Dated:04-06-2013 ,if available and return the same to Kanwal Agro Food Industries at an earliest so that the same maybe be destroyed. 

“We reassure the general public that neither Carmoisine nor Tartrazine are mixed in our Sounf powder nor can it be mixed since that would impart red or yellow colour to the product,” the statement reads.Rs524 per kg on Monday after reaching an all-time high of Rs532 per kg last week with Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) releasing pepper lots it had seized on charges of contamination.

Of the 6,300 tonne of pepper it had seized from NCDEX warehouses on complaints of mineral oil contamination a year ago, a majority of the quantity was found to be adulterated.

Anti-bacterial soaps may not curb bacteria

After more than 40 years of study, the U.S. government says it has found no evidence that common anti-bacterial soaps prevent the spread of germs, and regulators want the makers of Dawn, Dial and other household staples to prove that their products do not pose health risks to consumers.

Scientists at the Food and Drug Administration announced Monday that they are revisiting the safety of triclosan and other sanitizing agents found in soap in countless kitchens and bathrooms. Recent studies suggest triclosan and similar substances can interfere with hormone levels in lab animals and spur the growth of drug-resistant bacteria.

The government's preliminary ruling lends new support to outside researchers who have long argued that the chemicals are, at best, ineffective and at worst, a threat to public health.

"The FDA is finally making a judgment call here and asking industry to show us that these products are better than soap and water, and the data don't substantiate that," said Stuart Levy of the Tufts University School of Medicine.

While the rule only applies to personal hygiene products, it has implications for a broader $1 billion industry that includes thousands of anti-bacterial products, including kitchen knives, toys, pacifiers and toothpaste. Over the last 20 years, companies have added triclosan and other cleaners to thousands of household products, touting their germ-killing benefits.

Under a proposed rule released Monday, the agency will require manufacturers to prove that anti-bacterial soaps are safe and more effective than plain soap and water. Products that are not shown to be safe and effective by late 2016 would have to be reformulated, relabeled or removed from the market.

"I suspect there are a lot of consumers who assume that by using an anti-bacterial soap product, they are protecting themselves from illness, protecting their families," said Sandra Kweder, deputy director in the FDA's drug center. "But we don't have any evidence that that is really the case over simple soap and water."

A spokesman for the cleaning product industry said the FDA already has "a wealth of data" showing the benefits of anti-bacterial products.

Monday's action affects virtually all soap products labeled anti-bacterial, including popular brands from CVS, Bath and Body Works, Ajax and many other companies.

The rule does not apply to hand sanitizers, most of which use alcohol rather than anti-bacterial chemicals.

An FDA analysis estimates it will cost companies $112.2 million to $368.8 million to comply with the new regulations, including reformulating some products and removing marketing claims from others.

The agency will accept data from companies and researchers for one year before beginning to finalize the rule.

The proposal comes more than four decades after the FDA began evaluating triclosan, triclocarban and similar ingredients. The government only agreed to publish its findings after a three-year legal battle with the Natural Resources Defense Council, an environmental group that accused the FDA of delaying action on potentially dangerous chemicals.

Triclosan is found in an estimated 75 percent of anti-bacterial liquid soaps and body washes in the U.S. More than 93 percent of anti-bacterial bar soaps also contain triclosan or triclocarban, according to the FDA.

Some consumers said the FDA ruling would have little effect on their buying habits, since they already avoid anti-bacterial soaps and scrubs.

"The regular soap works fine for me. And if I was to think about it, I would guess that those anti-bacterial soaps probably have more toxins," said Marco Cegarra, of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Diane McLean, of Washington, D.C., thought the soaps always "seemed like a bad idea" because of concerns about creating drug-resistant bacteria.

The FDA was asked to investigate anti-bacterial chemicals in 1972 as part of a law designed to set guidelines for dozens of common cleaners. But the guidelines got bogged down in years of regulatory delays and missed deadlines. The agency published a preliminary draft of its findings in 1978, but never finalized the results until Monday.

Most of the research surrounding triclosan's safety involves laboratory animals, including studies in rats that showed changes in testosterone, estrogen and thyroid hormones. Some scientists worry that such changes in humans could raise the risk of infertility, early puberty and even cancer.

FDA scientists stressed Monday that such studies are not necessarily applicable to humans, but the agency is reviewing their implications.

On a conference call with journalists, Kweder noted that the government's National Toxicology Program is already studying whether daily skin exposure to hormone-altering chemicals could lead to cancer.

Other experts are concerned that routine use of anti-bacterial chemicals such as triclosan contributes to the emergence of drug-resistant germs, or superbugs, that render antibiotics ineffective.

In March 2010, the European Union banned the chemical from all products that come into contact with food, such as containers and silverware.

A spokesman for the American Cleaning Institute, a soap cleaning product trade organization, said the group will submit new data to regulators, including studies showing that company products do not lead to antibiotic resistance.

"We are perplexed that the agency would suggest there is no evidence that anti-bacterial soaps are beneficial," said Brian Sansoni. "Our industry sent the FDA in-depth data in 2008 showing that anti-bacterial soaps are more effective in killing germs when compared with non-anti-bacterial soaps."

The group represents manufacturers including Henkel, Unilever and Dow Chemical Co. 

Advisory on Dietary Supplement products

கடைகளில் காலாவதியான பொருட்கள் விற்பனை கலெக்டர் ஆய்வு செய்ய கோரிக்கை

கூடுவாஞ்சேரி, டிச.17 : 

கூடுவாஞ்சேரியில் உள்ள கடைகளில் காலாவதியான பொருட்கள் விற்பனை செய்யப்படுவதால் கலெக்டர் ஆய்வு நடத்தி நடவடிக்கை எடுக்க வேண்டும் என அப்பகுதி மக்கள் வலியுறுத்துகின்றனர். 

கூடுவாஞ்சேரியில் மளிகை கடை, பெட்டி கடை, பேன்சி ஸ்டோர், பாஸ்ட் புட் கடைகள், ஓட்டல்கள், காய்கறி கடைகள் உள்ளன. இங்கு விற்பனை செய்யப்படும் பொருட்களில் காலாவதியாகும் தேதி, பொருளின் எடை, விலை போன்ற விவரம் எதுவும் இல்லை. ஐஎஸ்ஐ முத்திரை இல்லாமல் விற்பனை செய்யப்படுகிறது. 

இது மட்டுமின்றி கம்ப்யூட்டர் பில் கொடுப்பது இல்லை. பில் வேண்டும் என்று வாடிக்கையாளர் கேட்டால், சாதாரண பேப்பரில் எழுதி கொடுக்கின்றனர். எந்த பொருளாக இருந்தாலும் மூன்று மடங்கு அதிக விலைக்கு விற்கின்றனர். இதனால் கடைக்காரர்களுக்கும், வாடிக்கையாளர்களுக்கும் வாய்த் தகராறு ஏற்படுகிறது. உணவு பாதுகாப்பு துறை அதிகாரிகளிடம் பலமுறை புகார் கூறியும் கண்டும் காணாமல் இருக்கின்றனர். 

இதுபற்றி அப்பகுதி மக்கள் கூறுகையில், மார்க்கெட்டில் உள்ள கடைகளில் மீன், இறைச்சி, கோழிக்கறி ஆகியவற்றை ஐஸ் பெட்டி யில் வைத்து விற்கின்றனர். இதை வாங்கி பாஸ்புட் கடைகளில் கடலை மாவு கலந்து சிக்கன் ரைஸ், சிக்கன் சிக்ஸ்டி&65 என விற்பனை செய்கின்றனர். பொதுமக்கள் மார்க்கெட்டில் மீன் வாங்கி, சமைத்து சாப்பிட்டால் விஷத்தன்மை காரணமாக உடல்நலம் பாதிக்கப்படுகிறது. மளிகை கடைகளில் ஊறுகாய் உள்ளிட்ட காலாவதியான உணவு பொருட்கள் விற்பனை செய்யப்படுகின்றன. உணவு பொருட்கள் தரமானதாக இல்லை. கள்ளச் சந்தையில் பொருட்களை வாங்கி வந்து அப்பாவி மக்களிடம் அநியாய விலைக்கு விற்கின்றனர். எனவே கலெக் டர் நேரில் ஆய்வு செய்து நடவடிக்கை எடுக்க வேண்டும் என்றனர். 

Spice tests +ve for chemicals

SRINAGAR, Dec 16: In a startling revelation, the Laboratory test of a spice, manufactured by one of the leading spice brands in the State, has found it unfit for the human consumption as it contains carcinogenic chemicals.

The Health Officer Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC), Dr Shafaqat Khan, told Excelsior that the SMC will produce a charge sheet before the court against the manufacturer, M/s Kanwal Agro Food Industries Anantnag, tomorrow under Food Safety Standards Act 2006. “The manufacturer may face arrest as this is a serious crime involving public health”, disclosed Khan.

The Health Officer said that the manufacturer of the Food item has been directed to immediately withdraw all stock of the food items from the market that contains colouring matter. “The general public has been cautioned to refrain from use of the spice immediately”, he added.

Khan said that laboratory test of Saunf powder manufactured by M/s Kanwal Agro Food Industries Anantnag found it unsafe and misbranded, containing added colouring matter – Carmoisine and Tartrazine.

Khan said a sample of Saunf powder manufactured by M/S Kanwal Agro Food Industries Anantnag bearing lot No. KA/SP/E-Pkg dated 04/06/2013 was sent for analysis to Central Food Laboratory Kolkatta. “On receipt of analysis report, the said food sample was found unsafe and misbranded, containing added colouring matter namely Carmoisine and Tartrazine”, he added.

Khan said that Carmoisine and Tartrazine besides being health hazard can damage kidneys and liver and are carcinogenic in nature. “These chemicals also lower the sperm count in men”, he added.

“The use of colouring matter in the manufacture of spices is not permitted under Food Safety and Standard Act 2006. The presence of the colouring agents in food items can cause serious health hazards on consumption”, said Khan.

Khan said that they are getting large scale complaints of food adulteration from Srinagar city. “We are taking 30-40 samples every month and after the report of the Kolkotta referral laboratory, we will send every third sample for retesting to cross the checks the reports of the local laboratories”, he added.

The SMC official said that some oil samples sent to Central Food Laboratory Kolkata have also been found substandard. “We are sending more spice items, oil and Milk for testing after large scale complaints of adulteration”, he added.

There are reports of Kashmiri red chilly manufactured by the M/S Kanwal Agro Food Industries Anantnag containing the similar colouring agent as was found in Saunf powder. Khan said that Chilly will also be sent be for testing to Kolkata referral laboratory.

It may be mentioned here that early this year, laboratory testing of some medicines found them spurious and substandard. Seventeen persons including 3 officials of Health Department and several manufacturers were found accused involved in the scam.

Smart vendor carts & homeless shelters that turn into shops

Eleven student teams from across the country have conceptualised innovative, implementable ideas that can make a huge impact and a difference to one's daily life. The products, a result of those ideas, range from a one-stop smart card that can be used for 14 different kinds of public transport, to a clock that alerts a mother on the days her newborn is due to get vaccinations.

These ideas were showcased at the National Student Challenge (NCS), a competition held by the Indian Institute of Human Settlements (IIHS). Students had prepared for the challenge for more than six months. The competition was spread across various fields such as urban culture, basic services, urban poor, human development, safety and violence, livelihood, transport and mobility, affordable housing, etc.

The third edition of NCS saw the participation of over 1,100 teams from across the country, of which 25 were selected for the semi-finals that were held on Wednesday. Nina Nair, chief people officer and head, NCS said, "The concept of NCS is aimed at challenging the youth to stop wringing their hands and to do something about the things that irk them. This year, however, we made it mandatory that they come up with concepts that can be implemented. Thinking up ideas is easy; implementing it is the real hurdle. The 25 teams have done extensive research on the workability of their ideas."

Here's a look at some of the innovative ideas.

Innokart

In the wake of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India recently issuing notices to street food vendors on maintaining cleanliness and hygiene, this innovation by a team of four from Jamia Millia Islamia, Delhi comes as a blessing in disguise for vendors.

Their idea: an improved food cart. Targeted at meal vendors, the cart comes complete with segregated dustbins, folding flaps where customers can stand and eat and storage and advertising space. "We studied vendors outside Nizammuddin railway station and in Saraikale Khan, Chandni Chowk, Sarojini Nagar and Karol Bagh. We found that most of the carts were huge and space-occupying. Vendors also dirtied the area around them. We will team up with National Association of Street Vendors in India to educate vendors on the importance of the carts," said Huma Parvez and Nida Haque, who along with their team members Faiza Jamal and Ahmed Faraz Khan conceptualised Innokart.

Transpact

Two students from Jadavpur University, Kolkata have developed a concept that facilitates cashless transactions on any mode of public transport. Their idea: a one-stop smart card to integrate ticketing across 14 modes of transport. If their idea is implemented, a commuter needs only carry just one currency-loaded smart card which can be used use as a ticket on buses, Metros, taxis and autos. Since the origin of their idea is in Kolkata, the team has included travel on tram and ferry too. "It erradicates the change problem," said Avishek Das. "We have also seen a lot of illegal tokens flood the existing system as well as paper wastage. To eliminate all that and to centralise the transport system, we came up with this concept."

His teammate, Arunima Sen, added, "With this system we can also record patterns on commuter traffic and bring accountability to those running the system."

Infilight

On a 20-day education yatra, Saif Khan and Imbesat Ahmed from IIT, Kharagpur stumbled on the poor electricity situation in villages of Bihar. Even though there were schools and teachers, the students could not pursue their studies, revise for exams and do their homework after coming back home due to long power cuts. But almost every child above Std VIII possessed a bicycle, thanks to the Bihar government's Cycle Yojna scheme. It triggered the idea of a cost-effective lighting solution powered by bicycles. "Our innovation comes with a rechargeable battery that can be fitted to a dynamo which in turn is fixed to a bicycle. Using the energy generated from cycling, the dynamo recharges the batteries which can be used to power LED lamps that we will provide in the kit," said Saif. The easy-to-fit device will be dust, shock and water resistant.

DRP

To address the problem of over seven lakh homeless people in India, a group of three from Piloo Mody College of Architecture, Cuttack has invented night shelters for homeless people. Their idea: prototype kiosks that can accommodate up to three people at night and can be used as small shops for grocery and other knick knacks. "Most of the people who are homeless in the cities are either beggars or daily wage labourers. These 7.35 sq mtr kiosks made of scrap block boards can be assembled anywhere and cost only Rs 1,200 to produce," said Debadyuti Nandy, who along with teammates Rajarshi Das and Sraman Ghosh designed the kiosk.

Padawans

Have an elderly relative at home and are worried about his/her safety while you are away at work? No problem, says this group of friends who are from Vydehi Institute of Medical Sciences, University College London and Amity, Noida. Their idea: a portable, wireless emergency alert device in the form of a bracelet or pendant that automatically sends out an alert when the person wearing it is debilitated or incapacitated. "The aged usually suffer from various kinds of diseases and it is not possible to keep an eye on them all the time. Our device, which can be triggered by the press of a button, will send a message via a bay station to the hospital the patient is registered with, and to a close relative. Each device will have a medical ID that paramedics using our app can check to get access to critical health information," says Shankhanil Chowdhury, who along with his brother Saurav Chowdhury and friend Prasenjit Lahiri developed the concept.

Badlaav

Two students have conceptualised a device that can serve as a timely reminder for mothers to get newborns vaccinated. Their idea: a wall clock that has an automated display issuing notification at regular intervals in visual and audio format from six weeks to 18 months of the child's birth. The reminders are as per specified by doctors. Asmita Misra who worked on the concept designed by her teammate Sahil Goyal, learnt during one of her field researches that parents had no idea when to get their child vaccinated. "We found that they were given a card but did not know how to read it. An in-house alert system was the need of the hour. For illiterate mothers, we have installed a small audio reminder that will start reminding the family three weeks prior to the date of vaccination - once every week," she said.

Kaizen

Railway terminals are often a garbage dump with travellers and commuters throwing away used mineral water bottles and other plastic items. This not-so-pleasant sight caught the attention of a group of friends studying at Vellore Institute of Technology who have come up with an idea to improve the recycling process. Their idea: development and deployment of plastic collection machines in cities to deposit plastic bottles in exchange for a nominal amount of cash. "Ragpickers usually sort out plastic bottles at source. We plan to have them bring the collected mass to our kiosks at railway stations. And like systems in the West, they will get paid for feeding the bottles into the machines which will then compress it, thus enabling the transportation of more bottles at one go. These machines will also have sensors to detect pet bottles from ordinary plastic and separate them. The amount ragpickers bring in will be weighed and they will be paid a fee that is at least Rs 2 higher than what they get per kilo now," said Yashanshu Jain, a of the team members who has worked on the concept. The other members of the team are Sarang Surve, Piyush Pangarkar and Rohit Kumar Tiwari.

பாலில் கலப்படம அதிகாரிகள் அதிரடி

கூடலூர், டிச.16: 

கூடலூர் பஜாரையொட்டிய ராஜகோபாலபுரத்தில் வியாபாரிகள், விவசாயிகள் சங்க கூட்டுறவு பால் விற்பனை நிலையம் உள்ளது. இங்கு பல பகுதியில் இருந்து சேகரிக்கப்படும் பசும்பால், வியாபாரிகள் மற்றும் பொதுமக்களுக்கு விற்பனை செய்யப்படுகிறது. இந்த பசும்பாலுடன், தனியார் பாக்கெட் பால் கலந்து விற்பனை செய்வதாக தொடர் புகார் எழுந்தது. 

இதையடுத்து நகராட்சி சுகாதார ஆய்வாளர் எடிசன் அற்புதராஜ் தலைமையில் நகராட்சி பணியாளர்கள் அங்கு திடீர் ஆய்வு செய்தனர். இதில் 60 லிட்டர் பால், மொத்தம் 120 தனியார் பால் பாக்கெட் உடைத்து கேனில் நிரப்பப்பட்டு இருந்தது. இதுகுறித்து வருவாய் ஆய்வாளர் மற்றும் உணவு பாதுகாப்பு அலுவலருக்கு தகவல் கொடுக்கப்பட்டது. அவர்கள் வந்து விசாரணை நடத்தினர். 

பால் தட்டுப்பாட்டுக்காக, இதுமாதிரி தனியார் பால் பாக்கெட்டுகள் கலந்து விற்பனை செய்யப்படுவது தெரிந்தது. மேலும் கலப்படம் செய்யப்பட்டுள்ளதா என்பதை அறிய, கேனில் இருந்த பாலின் மாதிரியை ஆய்வுக்காக எடுத்து சென்றனர். தனியார் பால் பாக்கெட்டுகள் பறிமுதல் செய்யப்பட்டன.

பால் விற்பனை நிலையத்தில் பசும்பாலுடன், தனியார் பால் பாக்கெட்டை கலந்து விற்பனை செய்யக்கூடாது என அதிகாரிகள் எச்சரித்தனர்.

Gutka worth Rs 3L seized in Pimpri Camp

PUNE: The police on Saturday arrested a 46-year-old man from Pimpri Camp and seized gutka worth Rs 3 lakh. The suspect had planned to send the gutka to Dubai.

The suspect was identified as Ashok Arjandas Ramnani, a resident of Pimpri. Food safety officer of the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation Ravindra Nagvekar has lodged a complaint with the Pimpri police station in this regard.

Sub-inspector of the Pimpri police station Ansar Shaikh said that he had received a tip-off on the illegal export of Gutka. "We laid a trap and nabbed Ramnani along with the consignment of gutka and informed the PCMC officer about the raid," Shaikh said.

During investigations Ramnani revealed that he was going to send the gutka to Dubai. "We are investigating on the source from where Ramnani had obtained the gutka," Shaikh said. Ramnani has been charged under section 273 (sale of noxious food or drink) of the Indian Penal Code and other relevant sections of the Food Safety and Standards Act.

Cops seize gutkha worth Rs 4 lakh

According to police, the consignment was meant to be sent to Dubai 

The export quality RMD gutkha was seized from Arjandas Ramnani in Pimpri 

Detection branch sleuths of the Pimpri Police Station claimed to have seized export quality RMD gutkha worth Rs four lakh from a 46-year-old man in Pimpri Camp on Saturday night.

Cops said the accused was to send the consignment to Dubai. The arrested accused has been identified as Ashok Arjandas Ramnani, a resident of Pimpri. 

Food safety officer Ravindra Nagvekar of Pimpri-Chinchwad Muncipal Corporation (PCMC) has lodged a complaint against Ramnani with the Pimpri PS. 

According to police, the incident took place around midnight when Ramnani was ferrying the gutkha in a tempo. “Ramnani was taken into custody and Nagvekar was informed. PCMC officials checked the consignment and later lodged a complaint. 

They have estimated the gutkha to be worth Rs 2.88 lakh, which has a market value of about Rs four lakh. The accused was to send gutkha to Dubai. Investigations are on to find the source from where it was procured,” said PSI Shaikh. 

The police have registered a case against Ramnani for offences under IPC sections 179 (refusing to answer public servant authorised to question), 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant), 273 (sale of noxious food or drink) and other relevant sections of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

'Food safety rules to be implemented by Feb 2014'

GUWAHATI: The state health and family welfare department has urged all food business operators in the state to implement the guidelines of the Food Safety and Standards Act (FSS), 2006, before February 4, 2014. Accordingly, all operators will have to acquire food licenses and register before the deadline.

The measure will help the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, an agency of the Union ministry of health and family welfare, protect and promote public health through the regulation and supervision of food safety.

"It will be helpful for us to trace vendors for any follow-up action and address the needs of consumers. It will also help maintain a record of vendors. Introduction of good manufacturing practices and good hygienic practices is another aspect of this act," said Samiran Baruah, food safety officer.

According to Section 63 of the FSS Act, any person found running a food business without a valid license will be imprisoned for six months with a fine of up to Rs 5 lakh. The commissioner of food safety, Assam, instructed all the designated officers in the five regions of the state to organize licensing melas.

Food business operators to get license

Guwahati: As per orders of the Food Safety and Standard Authority India, all food business operators across the country will have to obtain a license or registration by February 4 next year.

Under the Food Safety and Standard Act, 2006, all food manufacturers, sellers including street hawkers and canteens, hotels and restaurants, milk sellers, and even pharmacies selling food supplements and wine shops, among others, will have to get them registered or secure a license within the deadline, failing which they will be liable to penalty and imprisonment. 

Senior officials from Food Safety Organisation, Assam, led by Joint Secretary Satyen Choudhary said that special licensing melas would be held at five places across Assam-Guwahati, Barpeta, Tezpur, Jorhat and Silchar, in the second half of this month where application forms would be issued and registrations and licenses granted on spot. 

Sources said that in Guwahati, the event would be held at office of the Designated Officer Food Safety, Kamrup Metro, at Uzan Bazar on December 21 and 22. 

Choudhary said that the Food Safety and Standard Act, 2006 was introduced in India to bring out the best practices at par with latest hygiene, manufacturing and agricultural production practices across the world. From street vendors to big stores, all have to get a license or secure a registration by February 4. 

He added that the license or registration would be valid for once fixed location and would have a unique 14-digit number. 

The central rule is also aimed at giving an organized shape to the food business sector in the country and prevents incidents of adulteration or any other shortcoming in the products.

It is reported that manufacturers and sellers with an annual turnover of up to Rs 12 lakh will have to undertake registration at a fee of Rs 100 for a year, while for those with an annual turnover up to Rs 12 lakh and over, the requirement would be for a license with the annual tax differing from segment to segment.

Arecanut storm brews in Malnad-coastal region

Bangalore: Rumours of a move by the Centre to ban arecanut has stirred a Hornet’s Nest in at least five MP constituencies across the Malnad-Coastal region even as the ruling Congress claimed it was for protecting the interests of arecanut growers.

At a meeting attended by representatives of Shikshana Snehita, Sringeri, Malnad Mithra, Bangalore, the Congress and JD(S), Congress leaders said WHO had mentioned the presence of alkaloids in arecanut.

The Director, Rural Health Mission had written to the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India to verify the truth behind the WHO findings but there was no move to ban arecanut, they said.

The Congress was represented by former Assembly Speaker B.L. Shankar and Udupi-Chikmagalur MP Jayaprakash Hegde, while Y.S.V. Datta spoke on behalf of the JD(S).

CAMPCO, a major arecanut cooperative, claimed that the tobacco lobby was behind the move to ban arecanut. However, Jayaprakash Hegde contended that the Centre had never said it would ban arecanut.

Arecanut growers dominate in five Lok Sabha MP seats in the Malnad-Coastal regions, including Uttara Kannada, Dakshina Kannada, Udipi-Chickmagalur, Shimoga and Hassan districts. With the BJP trying to make it electoral issue, the Congress is trying its best to make sure this does not happen.

B.L. Shankar said that health concerns about arecanut began after the Supreme Court banned Gutka. Since very litte arecanut is used in Gutka, the government wants to clear all doubts about arecanut, he said. The argument was endorsed by Datta. BJP leader Sadananda Gowda did not turn up for the meeting.

DINAMALAR NEWS

DINAMANI ARTICLE

Spl licensing mela in city on Dec 21, 22

GUWAHATI, Dec 15 – All food business operators across the country will have to obtain a licence or registration by February 4 next year as per orders of the Food Safety and Standard Authority of India.

Under the Food Safety and Standard Act, 2006, all food manufacturers, sellers including street hawkers and canteens, hotels and restaurants, milk sellers, and even pharmacies selling food supplements and wine shops, among others, will have to get themselves registered or secure a licence within the deadline, failing which they will be liable to penalty and imprisonment.

Senior officials from Food Safety Organisation, Assam, led by Joint Secretary Satyen Choudhury said here today that special licensing melas would be held at five places across Assam – Guwahati, Barpeta, Tezpur, Jorhat and Silchar, in the second half of this month where application forms would be issued and registrations and licences granted on spot.

In Guwahati, the event would be held at the office of the Designated Officer Food Safety, Kamrup Metro, at Uzan Bazar on December 21-22.

“The Food Safety and Standard Act, 2006, was introduced in our country to bring our best practices at par with latest hygiene, manufacturing and agricultural production practices across the world. From street vendors to big stores, all have to get a licence or secure registration by February 4,” Choudhury said.

He said the licence or registration would be valid for once fixed location and would have a unique 14-digit number.

He said that the central rule is also aimed at giving an organised shape to the food business sector in the country and prevent incidents of adulteration or any other shortcoming in the products.

Besides manual procurement and submission of forms, Food Safety Organisation, Assam, will also start online processing within next three months. 

Manufacturers and sellers with an annual turnover of up to Rs 12 lakh will have to undertake registration at a fee of Rs 100 for a year, while for those with an annual turnover of Rs 12 lakh and over, the requirement would be for a licence with the annual tax differing from segment to segment.

Besides, all applicants will also have to obtain NOCs from local bodies like municipal corporations and panchayats. Regular inspection of premises would be carried out to ensure safety standards. 

For businesses operating in multiple States, there is provision for securing licence directly from the Food Safety and Standard Authority of India. Choudhury said licensing melas would be held at other districts of Assam also soon.

Centre has not banned arecanut: MP

Steps will be taken to protect the interests of arecanut growers, K. Jayaprakash Hegde, Congress MP, has said. 

The Union government has not banned arecanut, Congress MP K. Jayaprakash Hegde said here on Sunday. Steps would be taken to protect the interests of growers, he said.

At an interaction programme organised by the Malenadu Mithra Vrinda here, Mr. Hegde said Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare Ghulam Nabi Azad had informed him that there was no proposal before his Ministry to ban arecanut. “Under no circumstance the Centre will ban arecanut,” he said.

Lakhs of families in the Malnad and coastal districts of the State depend on the crop for their livelihood. 

Mr. Hegde, who represents the Udupi-Chikmagalur constituency, said all reports in India indicated absence of carcinogens in arecanut. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) of the World Health Organization in a 2008 monograph had stated that “arecanut is carcinogenic to humans.” There is “sufficient evidence” of the carcinogenicity of betel quid (paan) with and without tobacco, the WHO had said.

On September 6, 2013, Amal Pusp, Director, Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, wrote a letter to the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India to examine the scientific evidences on the harmful effects of arecanut with a view to initiate action to classify the nut as an injurious substance and accordingly prohibit its use as ingredient in any food product, in conformity with the objectives of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

Mr. Hegde said he would hold a meeting with Food Safety and Standards Authority of India Director Sandhya Kabra on the issue. Arecanut as such was not harmful. Products mixed with arecanut would be harmful to health, he said. Mr. Hegde said Additional Solicitor-General Indira Jaising made a forceful submission in the Supreme Court against manufacture and sale of ghutka products. The apex court had not banned arecanut or its cultivation. The Cancer Biology Laboratory, Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi, has clarified in its report that arecanut does not cause cancer, he added.

Senior Congress leader B.L. Shankar said agriculture was a State subject and the Centre had no power to ban arecanut cultivation. Referring to comments made by participants on the editorial titled ‘Paan Singh Tumour’ published in The Hindu on July 26, 2012, Mr. Shankar said it was the opinion of the newspaper. 

T.N. Prakash, professor, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, said, “Arecanut is a food item. It is nutritious. I have no objections in banning products mixed with arecanut such as paan masala.” Janata Dal (Secular) MLA Y.S.V. Datta said he would oppose any proposal to ban arecanut.

Host of delicacies served to dignitaries

Ludhiana, December 14

A host of delicacies were served today to the Pakistan delegates visiting Punjab to be a part of the Kabaddi World Cup closing ceremony. Lunch was served to them at a five star hotel after an interactive session with the industry. 

Non-vegetarian dishes in the main course were murg lababdaar, Kashmiri ghosht, rogan josh, Amritsari fried fish while the vegetarian dishes included paneer ka pasanda and khumb matar masala.

“Murg ghosht and rogan josh are among the favourite dishes of people living in Pakistan Punjab,” said a source from the hotel.

Choco-walnut pudding, gajrela and kesari rasmalai were also enjoyed by the delegation. Both non-vegetarian and vegetarian food was appreciated by the dignitaries.

Samples collected 

Food safety officers of the Health Department remained on their toes for collection of samples of eatables from the places where the Pakistan delegates along with Pakistan Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif visited today in the city.

The delegates reached the PAU campus around 10.15am where they were served breakfast at the Thapar Hall.

Mukul Gill, Food Safety Officer, Moga, said: “We collected samples of snacks and beverages that were served to them in breakfast.”

Later, they visited the Sub-Registrar Office (West) at Hambran Road from where samples of some eatables were collected.”

Food Safety Officer, Jalandhar, Sukhran Singh Minhas said: “We collected samples of as many as 19 eatables served during lunch at Raddison Blue hotel.”

Samples of foods items served during dinner were collected by Food Safety Officer, Ludhiana, Ravinder Garg, at Sterlin Manner hotel, Pakhowal Road.

Samples of various food items were also collected by Food Safety Officer Manoj Khosla at Guru Nanak Stadium.

Mid-day Meal: Authorities Insensitive to DPI Circular

To prevent another mid-day meal tragedy on the lines of the one in Bihar which claimed the lives of 23 schoolchildren in July, Director of Public Instruction (DPI) Biju Prabhakar, who is also in-charge of the Food Safety Department, issued a circular, with 21 crucial directives, on October 30 to all schools in the state to ensure safety in mid-day meal supply. However, the school authorities are turning a blind eye to the directives.

The circular, issued two months ago, had no impact on the schools so far. The circular instructs each school to register their kitchen under the Food Safety Department (FSD) with proper details of the storage facility, kitchen facility, health of kitchen employees, hygienic measures taken etc. But so far, the FSD has not received even a single application from any school for registration. February 4, 2014 is the last date for submitting applications. The circular also instructs the authorities of schools to ensure the fitness of kitchen employees by conducting periodical medical checkups. This directive was also not taken into serious consideration by schools. “There are high chances for diseases to spread from cooks to kids through food. So the health of cooks must be ensured. Diseases such as typhoid can be transmitted through unclean food habits,” M K Appunni, retired DMO, said.

The Food Safety Department conducted inspections in the schools across the state a few months ago and it revealed that kitchens in most of the schools were functioning under unhygienic conditions. “None of the schools have proper storage facilities and due to this the grains are getting spoiled. Kitchens in all the schools are functioning under unhygienic conditions. It is the key reason why the directives were issued,” Food Safety Officer Mini A K said.

School headmasters complain that they have not received any proper directives in this regard. “I saw the circular on the Education Department’s website but I did not get any directive from the Deputy Director of Education yet. Anyway let me look into it,” Head Master of Kalanjoor LP School, Konni, Sree Kumar K said.

“We issued such a circular to create awareness among the school authorities. We will assist them in implementing the directives. We sought Central Government fund for its implementation,” Biju Prabhakar said. He also said this was not the phase for taking action against anyone. “Our sole intention is to make the school authorities aware of healthy ways to prevent diseases. Once this phase gets over, we won’t compromise and strict action will be taken against all those who violate the norms in the circular,” Biju Prabhakar said.

Some of the Major Directives

■ A senior teacher will ensure whether food is supplied strictly under the Food Safety Regulations Act or not. The teacher must also be a member of the Food committee. In addition to the senior teacher, a doctor from the Primary Health Centre and a representative of students must also be there in the Food committee.

■ Food materials should be bought only from a shop registered under the Food Safety Act.

■ Food materials must be stored in safe storage rooms.

■ The contact number of the Food Safety Officer should be displayed on the notice board of schools.

■ Mandatory chemical and microbiological tests must be done periodically to ensure the quality of drinking and cooking water.

■ Kitchen staff must be free of diseases and periodical health checkups must be done.

■ Cooking should not be done in open air.

■ Keep urinal, latrines etc away from the kitchen and must be cleaned.

■ Drainage must be covered.

■ Kitchen workers should have separate living rooms.

NASVI providing a springboard for Street Food Entrepreneurs

CULINARY ENTREPRENUERS ON STREETS IN INDIA 

The Street Food Festival of 2013 is the third edition of Street Food Festival organized by the National Association of Street Vendors of India(NASVI).What began as an internal event of NASVI where street food vendors served different recipes to delegates in the Annual General Meetings has metamorphosed into a mega event where hundreds of street food vendors put stalls serving delicacies from all over the country attracting thousands of customers including customers who have hitherto been skeptical of the street food. The whole event gives unprecedented publicity to the issues of harassment and security of livelihood of street vendors making Policy Makers and administrators think of urgent interventions. 

More people depend on street food than on restaurants and hotels in Indian cities. Street Food Vendors not only provide fresh and tasty food but they are also available at convenient location and have good bonding with the customers. And most importantly the whole world of recipe is there – from snacks to beverages to lunch and dinner .Name the dish and you have on the street –also the dishes one has never heard off, dishes which has passed over generations and dishes which vendors have brought from their family kitchen to the streets. Vendors also give a personal touch to the dishes with either a particular spice or method of cooking which makes customers visit only that particular vendor. 

As Cities in India are growing bigger the opportunities too are increasing. The opportunities obviously are being used by people with capital. Food Chains are becoming order of the day. Companies claiming to sell Street Food and Food Courts in Mall flaunting street food is a common sight though the taste and the flavor are far removed from what the lakhs of ‘CULINARY ENTREPRENUERS ON STREETS ‘roll out . And as the food at Malls and Restaurants get costlier ,there is a huge potential in the food at the street as more and more urban Indians want to go out for the meals ,a phenomenon not so common in the past but is picking up fast .However Street Food Vendors are more important than the street food per say . Many players are entering into the street food sector displacing the livelihood of lakhs of street food vendors. In all these contexts mentioned above Street Food Festival becomes significant 

The National Street Food Festival being organized on 20th ,21st and 22nd December at the JLN complex is a major advocacy event. The event will be inaugurated by the Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation Minister of Govt of India along with the Minister for Food Processing Industry. The inaugural event will also have luminaries like the Chairperson of the Food Safety and Standard Authority of India (FSSAI) and people from the Private Sector. On the third day of the event will be Award Function .The customers will vote for the Most Popular Vendor and there will also be an award for the Most Popular Woman Vendor. There are also awards on the basis of Hygiene, Cleanliness and Presentation by the Vendors. These awards besides providing them cash also are a recognition of doing best despite the odds and constraints. To give the event a festival cover, cultural performances have been organised by various bands so that the crowd remains engaged as they keep enjoying the delicacies. 

The range of the recipes is also enthralling .Litti Murga,Tash Kabab ,Makhana ka Khir ,Mawa Kachauri ,Pyaz Kachauri ,Khasta Kachauri,Dal Bati Churma,Chicken 65, Paddu,Tamrind rice, Mysore Dosa ,Kandah Bajji,Fish Stew,Chciken Achar ,Pani Patasha ,Rab,Hyderabad Biryani,Halim, Double ka Meetha,Crab and Lobster dishes, Sandesh,Rosogulla,Jhing Mach Pakora, Rohu Mach bhat, Odisha Pitha, Thukpa and Momo , Assam tea, Gathiya, Khakhara,Dhokla ,Sabudana Khicdi and Bara, Chole Kulcha and Bahture, Tikki Chaat,Dahi Bara, Mutton and Chicken Korma, Seek Kabab, Variety of Parathas , Kacauri Chaat with banana topping ,Kebabs from Lucknow,Makke ki roti and sarson ki saag and so on and on and on . 

The Street Food Festival has unleashed the potential of the Street Food Vendors .NASVI has helped them to galvanize into a company called the NASVI Street Foods Pvt Ltd . Street Food Vendors are buying shares of the Company. Like in NASVI, the street vendors will be on board of the company. The Company will intervene in 

a) Setting up Food Streets and Food Courts 

b) Catering Service 

c) Modern Food Carts 

d) Supply of ingradients to food vendors 

e) Organise Food Festivals across country 

f) Provide training to food vendors 

Besides mopping up capital from Street Food Vendors, the Company has also started attracting like minded investors for funds for the company. Some like GBM Foods has come forward and a tie up looks imminent. 

As we enter the last leg of preparation for the event, we are also concerned about the proposed law for Street Vendors which was passed by the Lower House of Indian Parliament but has to be passed by the Upper House for it to become law. Since the beginning of the winter session, the Indian Parliament is witnessing daily adjournment. Lot of effort has gone into the Bill and more importantly the Law not only has the potential to change the face of Indian cities and quality of life of Street vendors in India but also show to the World the method of regulating street vending so as to create a win win situation in cities, making cities more orderly along with making lives of street vendors better b securing their livelihood. 

Come Join Us, Support The Cause……

Two food safety officers suspended

Commissioner of Food Safety Biju Prabhakar has issued orders placing food safety officers V.K. Pradeepkumar and Biby Mathew, attached to the Pattambi circle and the Shoranur municipality respectively, under suspension for letting off a food business operator (FBO) after allegedly accepting a bribe.

The orders were issued following preliminary evidence that they had deliberately violated procedural requirements for seizing an article of food under the Food Safety and Standards Act (FSSA), in connivance with an FBO so that no action could be initiated against the latter.

The FBO had been detained for bringing in palm kernel oil from across the border, suspected to be an adulterant for coconut oil, a press note issued by the office of the Commissioner said.

The officials had detained a tanker lorry transporting palm kernel oil at the Walayar check-post on December 5. It was an inter-State stock transfer from Kaleeswary Refinery Pvt. Ltd., Chennai to their depot in Palakkad.

The safety officials allegedly did not take the surveillance samples from the detained lorry as per the relevant provisions of the FSSA.

Also, the mahassar was prepared without any independent witnesses signing the document.

Procedural requirements under the Act such as issuing a seizure memo and getting the FBO to execute a bond had been violated, the press note said.

To hide all procedural irregularities, an affidavit was made in connivance with the FBO by purchasing a stamp paper on December 6. The affidavit was but executed with the date as December 5. Unlike in previous occasions, the detained vehicle was released without consulting higher authorities, the Commissioner’s press note added.

Action on charge of taking bribe

Violation of procedural requirements alleged

Private milk society raided

The premises of a private milk society in Gudalur was raided on Saturday. Food Safety Officer R.V.Ravi said that there had been an allegation that the society was purchasing a large quantity of milk manufactured by a Coimbatore-based company and selling it after diluting it with water. A sample had been taken from the society and sent for analysis.