HC seeks test reports of toned milk, curd sold in Valley

Srinagar: To prevent sale of spurious milk, the Jammu and Kashmir High Court has directed authorities to fortnightly lift samples of toned milk and curd and submit laboratory details about the merchandise before it.

However, in case of Khyber Agro, a division bench of Justices Hasnain Massodi and Tashi Rabstan directed authorities to lift samples at least once a week.

“In order to ensure that M/S Khyber Agro Milk is prevented from selling the spurious and synthetic milk to the consumers, authorities are directed to lift samples from the toned milk, skimmed milk, full fat milk or any other type of milk under whatever name marketed and curd marketed by (it), at least once in a week and to forward the samples, so taken to laboratory within the state as also to the Referral Laboratory at Pune or any other such laboratory as identified by Food Authority,” the court said, asking the authorities to produce the analysis report of the samples before the court.

The bench also directed the authorities to lift the samples from the food items marketed by M/S Avon and Kanwal Foods at random “at least once in two weeks.”

“Forward the samples to notified laboratory within the state as also to Referral Laboratory for analysis and produce the results/analysis report before the court,” the court said.

It also directed the authorities to launch prosecution against the manufacturers, dealers, distributors wherever required in light of the analysis reports.

“The authorities are directed to inform the court whether prosecution against M/S Khyber Agro Milk Farms Ltd has been launched after the receipt of analysis reports mentioned in order dated December 23, 2013,” the court said, directing authorities to file status report by next date of hearing.

The court was hearing a PIL—Sheikh Ayoub Vs State— seeking implementation of Food Safety and Standard Act 2006 (FSSA) to check food adulteration in the state.

The court also directed government to submit status report regarding the strengthened staff as envisaged by the FSSA, staff recruited from the date Act came into force.

“The status report shall also indicate the particulars of Designated Officers for each district and Food Safety Officer and Food Analyst for each local area with their respective territorial jurisdiction,” the court added.

PIL alleges caffeine content beyond permitted limit in energy drink

Summary

Through amendments, authority proposes to add caffeinated beverage as an additional category under FSSAI, court was informed.

A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) heard by the Bombay High Court on Tuesday accused the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) of having made amendments to the existing regulations to permit companies, particularly Red Bull, to add caffeine in energy drinks beyond prescribed limits. The PIL states that this would have been done without evaluating the risk to health of consumers.

The amended regulations would provide caffeinated beverages to contain not less than 145 mg of caffeine per litre and not more than 320 mg per litre whereas the existing regulations state that the limit is 145 mg per litre, a bench of Justices V M Kanade and G S Kulkarni was told.

Through the amendments, the authority proposes to add caffeinated beverage as an additional category under the FSSAI, the court was informed. “By the said amendment, the authority proposes to add caffeinated beverage as an additional category. The said exercise is done only to permit the companies (that sell carbonated beverages containing caffeine and more particularly Red Bull) to add more caffeine than the standards mentioned in the existing regulations,” the PIL alleges.

According to information sought by the petitioner under the RTI, Red Bull Energy Drink in 2009 had undergone seizure of various stocks as the samples analysed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) revealed that the samples contained more than 200 mg per litre, which is more than the prescribed limit. The RTI further revealed that the stock of the seized drinks were ordered to be destroyed by the Alibaug judicial magistrate.

Arguing for petitioner Yajurvedi Rao, advocate Anjali Purav urged the judges to restrain the FSSAI from permitting any company to sell beverage with more caffeine than prescribed, and from creating a new category in beverages than already provided in the FSS Act 2006.

The PIL also listed out the side effects of caffeine and termed them “serious”. “Caffeine being a stimulant, it affects all parts of the body. Blood vessels in the brain constrict heart beats more intensely and the muscles contract,” it stated.

It further said, “Caffeine contributes to weight gain and obesity. Though there maybe warning on the can of the drink ‘not more than 2’, but there is no machinery or statute available to control or regulate or supervise its consumption or sale.” The FSSAI sought time to respond to the allegations levelled by the petitioner and was granted three weeks by the court to file its reply.

What is the definition of ‘Tea’ as per FSS Regulations? What is the labelling guideline on added flavour in Tea?

As per FSS regulations, ‘Tea’ is mentioned under Beverages and has three sub-types – Tea, Kangra Tea & Green Tea.

‘Tea’ has been defined as; tea which is obtained by acceptable processes, exclusively from leaves, buds and tender stems of plant of the Camellia sinensis (L) O. Kuntze. The form of tea could be of black or oolong tea. Tea shall have characteristic flavour free from any off odour, taint and mustiness and it should also be free from living insects, moulds, dead insects, insect fragments and rodent contamination visible to the naked eye. 

‘Kangra Tea’ is the tea which is exclusively derived from the leaves, buds and tender stems of plants of the Camellia sinensis or Camellia tea which is grown in the Kangra and Mandi valleys of Himachal Pradesh. 

‘Green Tea’ means the tea product which is derived solely and exclusively, produced by acceptable processes, notably enzyme, inactivation, rolling or comminution and drying from the leaves, buds and tender stems of varieties of the species Camellia Sinensis (L) O. Kuntze, known to be suitable for making tea for consumption as a beverage. 

A package containing tea will have to comply with the labelling requirements as have been mentioned under FSS (Packaging & Labelling) Regulations, 2011.

A packaged tea product with added flavour shall bear the following label: 

“Flavoured Tea” (common name of permitted flavour / percentage)                                       Registration No. ………………………

 The specifications and the requirements of the tea product have been declared under FSS (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011. A tea product shall conform to the requirements and the figures on the materials as have been defined under BEVERAGES (Other than Dairy, Fruit & Vegetable based).

32 food samples fail purity tests Tobacco sample found containing nicotine

Bathinda, February 24

Thirty-two food samples that were collected in the district under the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) have failed the purity tests. Of the samples collected, the health authorities have lodged complaint regarding 19 samples collected by the authorities. 

Nodal Officer Dr Raghubir Singh Randhawa said the sample of gutka, which was collected during a raid conducted at Maur on June 26, 2013, was found to contain nicotine. “The sale of tobacco is banned if sold under the name of gutka. Lab results have shown that the samples collected from Maur had nicotine in them, which is unsafe for human consumption,” he said. The case now lies pending with the local court.

The Maur police have arrested one and booked two others for selling fake and sub-standard tobacco products. The accused Sikandar Singh was arrested and 80 quintals of tobacco was recovered from his possession.

The remaining 18 cases were filed with the Adjudicating Officer, ADC Rajiv Prashar. Of these, six have been decided including five penalised cases and the rest of the 12 cases are pending. 

Only those cases are filed with the Adjudicating Officer in which the lab results show food samples to be sub-standard and not unfit for human consumption. 

The ADC had imposed a fine of Rs 10,000 on sub-standard milk-seller and a fine of Rs 40,000, Rs 20,000 and Rs 35,000 in cases of selling sub-standard mustard oil. The seller of over-ripened bananas was let off after being served a warning.

The collected food samples are first tested at the Public Analyst, State Food, Drugs and Excise Lab of the Government of Punjab at Chandigarh. If tested negative, the accused is given an opportunity to get the sample tested from Food Research and Standardisation Laboratory, Ghaziabad. It’s the accused who bears the expenses of getting the sample tested for the second time from Ghaziabad lab. Four such cases have been sent from Bathinda so far seeking a second test of the samples collected.

The health authorities encouraged food business operators to get enrolled under the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India to avoid any kind of future problems. 

With the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India being implemented throughout the country, it is slowly becoming mandatory to display one’s Food Safety and Standards Authority of India licence or registration number before making any deals in the food business.

The ones who enroll earlier would be saved from future problems, added Dr Randhawa.

Govt sanctions prosecution of Kanwal, Khyber, AVON

SMC to file charge sheet today

Srinagar, Feb 23: State Government has accorded sanction for the prosecution of the leading Food Processing Companies whose products were found adulterated with carcinogenic chemicals.

Drug Controller of the State, Satish Gupta, told Excelsior that Government has accorded sanction for the prosecution of AVON Agro Industries Pvt Ltd Delhi, Khyber Agro Farms and M/s Kanwal Agro Food Industries Anantnag whose food products were found adulterated by the Central Food Laboratory Kolkata.

Health Officer Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC), Dr Shafaqat Khan told Excelsior that he has got sanction from the Commissioner Food Safety Jammu and Kashmir, Ganzafar Ali,for the prosecution of M/s Kanwal Agro Food Industries Anantnag whose Sounf powder was found adulterated and that of a Punjab based Food processing company whose Karela and Jamun juice were found adulterated.

Dr Shafaqat said that he will produce charge-sheet against these two companies tomorrow before the Municipal Magistrate Srinagar under Food Safety Standards Act 2006. “There was no delay on my part for prosecution but I was waiting for the government sanction”, he added.

The Food Safety Officer, Budgam, Shugufta, told Excelsior that she has not received any sanction for the prosecution of Khyber Agro Farms whose toned milk has been found adulterated. “Once the sanction is accorded, we will go through legal process”, she added.

The turmeric powder of AVON Agro Industries Pvt Ltd Delhi, toned Milk of Khyber Agro Farms and Sounf powder of M/s Kanwal Agro Food Industries Anantnag was found adulterated by the Central Food Laboratory Kolkata whose reports came in November and December last year.

The Central Food Laboratory Kolkata report about turmeric powder manufactured by AVON Agro Industries Pvt Ltd Delhi said that it contained Tartrazine adulteration.

The Central Food Laboratory Kolkata report about the Khyber Milk states that besides containing detergent, the sample has failed to conform to various other standards stipulated under laws and regulations.

The Central Food Laboratory Kolkata about Saunf powder manufactured by M/s Kanwal Agro Food Industries Anantnag found it unsafe and misbranded, containing added colouring matter – Carmoisine and Tartrazine.

Sources said that these companies are facing serious charges as the Director SKIMS, Shoukat Ahmad Zagar, in its report has said that the colouring agents and other material found in the spices and the toned milk are carcinogenic, can damage various body organs and cause heart diseases.

The Jammu and Kashmir High Court has already penalized these companies and asked them to deposit Rs 60 crore with the Director SKIMS for damaging the health of people.

Food Act changes good but inspectors pay bad

5-member panel to discuss pay uniformity

Structural inequality among cadre of Food Safety and Standards Authority of India is holding back officers from doing their job. Step-motherly attitude of the state government towards the Food Safety Officers (FSO) underplay their importance for a healthy society, discussed FSOs from all across the state here at an annual convention.

“To do away with ‘Inspector Raj’, state has brought in new Food Safety and Standards Act 2006; the Act is progressive, but the government has failed to provide adequate infrastructure and staff,” said Secretary General of FSO Cadre Association of India VK Rathi.

As the Act came into force, the role of Food Inspector has been changed from a regulator to a facilitator.

The FSOs in the state are being paid class-IV employee wages. “Our salary is Rs 16,000 to Rs 17,000, whereas those in other states are being paid Rs 40,000 - Rs 50,000. Our grade pay is Rs 2,100 against Rs 4,200 to FSOs in other states,” said Manish Swami, a senior FSO.

“Promotion opportunities are bleak. FSOs end up in the same post till their retirement. We had sent a list of recommendations to the pay commission and the state government, but none have been accepted,” said Swami.

A five-member committee has been constituted at the annual convention with food commissioners from Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Goa and Maharashtra states to discuss uniformed pay structure of the officers across India, irrespective of the state cadre they belong to.

Given the amount of arable land in our country, food security is a big challenge and at the same time providing quality food to people is equally important, said an officer.

Check illegal vendors

As per provisions contained in Food Safety and Standards Act, all food vendors, including restaurants, roadside eateries, tea shops, juice shop, fruit and vegetable vendors, fish and meat stalls should register them and obtain a licence from Food Supplies Department, failing which a fine or imprisonment should be awarded.

Further the owners may have to shut down their shops. But it is seen that half of city’s food outlets have not yet been enrolled by the authorities and therefore continue as illegal vendors. In addition, many mobile vendors from the suburban areas continue their business in the city by means of their cycles and sell their products within 2-3 hours and return back.

Further, some meat and fish sellers also come to city during morning hours and sell their products in and around the city and leave the place before noon, but they do not possess any licence. They also do not keep the area clean. In such cases, the authorities should create an awareness programme and force them to register with their names for licence.

K. C. Mohanti, Bhubaneswar

Baby-poop bacteria to help make healthy sausages?

Scientists have found a bizarre new way of making sausages healthier - by using baby poop. 

According to a new research, bacteria from baby poop can help make sausages, which could transform savoury meats into health foods much like probiotic yogurts. 

Several types of sausages are made using bacterial fermentation, which helps give sausages their characteristic tangy flavour and provides them chewy texture and intense red colour, 'LiveScience' reported. 

Scientists in Spain reasoned that probiotic bacteria could be used in fermented sausages. 

"Probiotic fermented sausages will give an opportunity to consumers who don't take dairy products the possibility to include probiotic foods to their diet," said study co-author Anna Jofre from Catalonia's Institute of Food and Agricultural Research's (IRTA) food-safety programme in Girona, Spain. 

Researchers focused on microbes found alive in human feces as for probiotic bacteria to work, they must survive the acids in the digestive tract. 

They concentrated on 43 fecal samples of healthy infants up to 6 months old. The samples were taken from diapers, mostly provided by midwives in support groups for new parents. 

The two kinds of bacteria used most often in probiotics, Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, are far more abundant in infant poop than in adult excrement. 

"Infant feces are natural samples, easy to obtain," Jofre said. 

Scientists tried fermenting six batches of sausages using three strains of bacteria found in baby poop and three other, commercial probiotic strains of bacteria. 

Previous research established the strains the researchers used from infant excrement were safe for people.

Specifically, the investigators made "fuet," a kind of Mediterranean fermented sausage. 

Only one of the six strains of bacteria became the main, dominant microbes within the sausages: one of the strains from infant feces, the report said. 

This strain grew "to levels of 100 million cells per gramme of sausage enough to produce health-promoting effects to people," Jofre said.

Food units in Karnataka to come under mapping exercise of state government

Bengaluru, Feb 22 (KNN) The Karnataka Health System Development and Reform Project (KHSDRP) is keen to strengthen its food safety strategy and enhance regulation of food safety standards in the state by carrying out a mapping exercise and monitoring delivery mechanisms.

To regulate food safety, the Government of India enacted the Food Safety and Standard Act (FSSA) 2006 along with its Rules and Regulations 2011 for food products at different stages on scientific basis.

“With an intention to expedite the implementation of FSSA and Rules effectively within the time frame, KHSDRP, under additional financing, has agreed to establish a “Food Safety Cell” with support of a Food Safety Consultant, a legal consultant and data entry operator in the office of the Food Safety Commissioner,” said KHSDRP.

In this context, it wants to hire professionals to conduct a baseline survey and mapping of food business units in Karnataka under the Food Safety and Standards Act (FSSA) 2006.

The Food Safety Consultant would support the implementation of the Food Safety strategy of the KHSDRP. She/he would support implementation, management and monitoring of activities planned under agreed strategies for enhancing regulation of the food safety standards in the state of Karnataka.

The project would involve facilitating registration and licensing, building capacity of and upgrading the existing food laboratories in the state, developing IEC strategy and materials to create awareness of both small and large FBOs in the state of their rights and responsibilities under the Statutory Act and strengthening the oversight mechanisms for compliance with safety standards.

The Department of Health and Family Welfare (DoHFW) has been assigned the responsibility of the implementation of the FSSA ACT through the Food Safety Commissioner.

Review Food Safety Act: HC

While asking the government if it is willing to reconsider some of the provisions of The Food Safety and Standards Act 2011, the High Court on Friday observed that it might be difficult for hoteliers to establish laboratories to periodically test the food supplied by them. 

Justice A N Venugopal Gowda said, “Even star hotels in the country have not set up laboratories to test the food that is being supplied by them. How is it practically possible for small hoteliers to establish laboratories or to get the food supplied by them tested periodically? Has the government established enough laboratories to test the food supplied in hotels? The government should think of doing things that are practical, to ensure good quality food is supplied in hotels, and improve on it later on.”

While narrating an anecdote to describe the quality of food supplied in some hotels, Justice Gowda said, “We found a cockroach in sambar when I visited a hotel along with my wife 20 years ago, and I have not visited that hotel ever since. There should some mechanism to ensure that the quality of food supplied by hotels is good.” 

The solicitor general submitted before the court that it would be difficult for the common man to demand quality food despite paying for it unless the Act was implemented in its entirety. 

Hoteliers comply with similar provisions when they open hotels abroad. But they oppose it when such rules are enacted in India, he added. 

Justice Gowda directed the petitioners to specify the provisions that they are finding difficult to comply with, instead of opposing the Act in its entirety, during the next hearing, and adjourned the case.

DINAMALAR NEWS

Can't expect small hotels to have food testing labs: HC

The High Court on Friday questioned as to how the Central government could expect small and medium hotels to have a laboratory to test the quality of food they serve to customers.

Hearing a petition by Karnataka Pradesh Hotel and Restaurants’ Association (KPHRA), which had challenged certain regulations laid down by the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2011, Justice A N Venugopala Gowda observed that even seven and five star hotels do not have the facility of food testing laboratories. 

“How can you expect small hotels to have laboratories?"

Mahmood Paracha, the counsel representing Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), submitted to the High Court that when Indians abroad open Indian restaurants, they have to maintain the food safety and standards as per the law of the land and cannot compromise on quality. The Central government has brought in the regulations to ensure that quality food is served at restaurants. 

Senior counsel Udaya Holla, representing KPHRA, submitted that it was not possible for small and medium hotels to have laboratories to test food quality as space available in certain restaurants is too less to have testing labs. The bench asked the counsel to submit an alternative plan to ensure the safety of consumable food. 

The counsel for FSSAI submitted that the best of the brains have gone in to making the Act and the standards cannot be lowered. The bench adjourned the hearing to February 28.

Food items rotting in ports and airports as govt introduces new packaging rules

Khushal Dedhia of VK Stores in Crawford Market has been turning away customers; a note at Hypercity, Vashi 

New Indian labelling requirements for imported foods and ingredients have led to a severe shortage of such items in Mumbai and across the country, hitting kitchens of top restaurants. 

Huge consignments of imported meats, cheeses, sauces, edible oil and even mayonnaise, among other popular items, are held up at airports and ports over what authorities describe as insufficient information on the packages' labels. 

The dwindling supply has left chefs wondering how to serve Greek salad without feta cheese, Miso soup minus silken tofu or Thai curry without fish sauce. 

It's also eating into restaurants' profits: prices of foreign foods - labelled in Spanish, Japanese and Italian - have now doubled in Mumbai's markets, but most eateries are unable to hike rates on their menus after having already done so recently. If the supply doesn't improve, they may be forced to pass on the costs to the patrons. 

It's not just eateries. Foodies, too, are struggling to get their favourite Italian Parma ham or Thailand's Sriracha sauce from local vendors and at big stores. 

"We are facing import challenges along with the industry to source international range of products," read a sign stuck in the food section of HyperCITY, Vashi. 

Made in India 

The problems arose late last year after the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), the Union health ministry agency that supervises food imports to ensure quality, started enforcing stricter labelling rules. 

The norms require manufacturers of prepackaged food items to: clearly explain the contents in English or Hindi, list the ingredients used and nutritional values, provide complete name and address of the producer and the country of origin. 

They also demand sticking of green and brown labels for vegetarian and non-vegetarian food items, respectively. 

While most countries have packaging requirements, they are not uniform, which made it difficult for Indian authorities to check consignments of imported food items for quality. In 2010-11 the government introduced new labelling standards for all food importers. It was only last September the FSSAI decided to hold back consignments for labelling infractions. 

Stocks rotting 

"For the past few months, I have been hearing horror stories from employees of consulates about how stocks of expensive ham and rare cheeses have been just lying at airport customs or in containers at the dockyard," Kabir Suri, CEO of Azure Hospitality, which owns the restaurant chain Mamagoto. 

"It's not just Mumbai; Delhi is also facing a supply shortage. Silken tofu, mushrooms, Japanese wine vinegar, Mirin sauce and sunflower seeds, which we use liberally at Mamagoto, have all but disappeared from most suppliers' product lists." 

While gastronomists and hoteliers agree that quality checks are important to prevent entry of substandard or spoiled food items into Indian markets, they want more time to speak to manufacturers abroad to implement new packaging rules. 

The Forum of Indian Food Importers has already made numerous representations to the FSSAI in this regard. Rakesh Banga, director at Banyan Fine foods India Pvt Ltd and founder-director at the importers' forum, said an importer can only add the company's name, food safety logo and manufacturing date on the label. Other details, including nutritional values, have to be specified by the manufacturer. 

"We are not saying that products made in Thailand should not meet Indian requirements," siad Banga. "All we are asking for is some more time to implement the law. We have been making representations to the health ministry and to the FSSAI, and we hope to get some relief." 

On the other hand, persuading manufacturers abroad to changing the packaging is proving to be difficult. Already, many manufacturers have cancelled their consignments for India over the new rules. 

End user will be hit 

The order rejections have pushed up prices of foreign foods in local markets and at retail stores. The price of mayonnaise, a popular egg-based sandwich spread, has shot up from Rs 250 to Rs 500 in the past few months. 

Most markets, however, do not have mayo in their stocks. 

Abottle of Thai fish sauce that cost around Rs 80 till a few months ago is sold for Rs 150. Olive oil is also in short supply, while Kraft cheese has all but disappeared from shelves. 

Traders from Crawford Market have been running from port to dock to source whatever stock is still available. "Since November, we have been facing a huge shortage of imported cheese and edible oils. The problem is so severe that we are turning away customers," said Khushal Dedhia, owner V K Stores. 

Hitesh Keswani, director of Silver Beach Entertainment and Hospitality Private Limited, revealed that his restaurants profits had dropped by 30 per cent because of rising prices of foreign food items. 

"Of our six distributors, five have decided to increase all product prices. We had increased our menu rates late last year so we cannot pass on the costs to our customers right now," said Keswani, who owns Silver Beach Cafe, Nom Nom, Copa, Park Bench and Jantar Mantar. 

Nikhil Chib, chef and owner Busaba and Busa-Go, said his costs too had gone up significantly. "Imported products' prices have gone up by 100 per cent. We, of course, don't intend to share the costs with our patrons. We will wait and watch what the government does to help the industry."

China punished 10,000 over food safety since 2011

Beijing, Feb 22 (IANS) China has prosecuted over 10,000 people in last three years since 2011 for production and sale of substandard and poisonous food, Chinese Supreme People's Procuratorate (SPP) said here Friday.

According to statistics from SPP, the highest agency at the national level responsible for both prosecution and investigation in the People's Republic of China, prosecutors also approved the arrest of some 7,000 people linked to manufacture and marketing of food products, Xinhua reported.

Nie Jianhua, SPP vice director in charge of public prosecution, said during a press briefing that illegal workshops, factories and markets were the major sources of problematic food.

Suspects were mainly self-employed business people, farmers or unemployed, he added.

Revealing about a prominent criminal offence concerning food safety, it was stated how a suspect named Liu Liguo sold 100 million yuan's worth of "gutter oil" made from kitchen waste between December 2007 and July 2011. Some 9 million yuan worth of such unsafe oil entered the cooking oil market.

"Gutter oil" literally refers to recycled oil dredged from gutters behind restaurants as well as inedible animal oil. The oil, which contains carcinogenic substances, is dangerous if consumed.

Liu was given a life sentence in 2013.

U.S. not targeting Indian drug companies: FDA chief

The head of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said on Friday it was not unduly targeting drug companies in India, which supplies a large portion of drugs used in the U.S., as the agency cracks down on substandard medication from abroad.

In recent months, the FDA banned drugs and drug ingredients from two Indian companies, Ranbaxy Laboratories Ltd (RANB.NS) and Wockhardt Ltd (WCKH.NS), citing quality concerns. Some Indian officials say the U.S. is disproportionately targeting Indian companies for enforcement actions.

FDA Commissioner Margaret Hamburg, who recently returned from a 10-day official visit to India, rejected those charges, saying that her agency was simply "undertaking our required regulatory activities" needed to protect public health in the United States.

India supplies about 40 percent of the generic and over-the-counter drugs consumed in the United States, making it the second-largest supplier after Canada. Yet quality control problems have long plagued India's drug industry, largely due to a weak regulatory system.

In 2012, a report by India's parliament alleged collusion between pharmaceutical firms and officials at the country's Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO), which oversees the licensing, marketing and trials of new drugs. It described an agency that was both chronically understaffed and underqualified.

The country is trying to improve but the task facing both local and overseas inspectors is difficult. The FDA has 12 members of staff in India, while about 500 Indian companies are registered to export drugs to the U.S.

The FDA staff is tasked with fostering communication with their Indian counterparts and can inspect facilities.

Dr. Amir Attaran, a professor of law and medicine at the University of Ottawa, noted that "even if you put a huge number of FDA staff in New Delhi, they have no legal power, no ability to do surprise inspections, no ability to issue subpoenas or take other measures to force a drugmaker to open its books."

"They are foreign agents in a foreign land," he said.

During Hamburg's visit, the FDA and India's Ministry of Health and Family Welfare signed a statement of intent to cooperate to prevent the distribution of unsafe drugs.

The statement is not binding and has no enforcement power behind it. Among other things, the FDA agreed to inform India's regulatory authorities before inspections so that local inspectors can observe.

The ink on the statement was barely dry when the drug controller general of India, G.N. Singh, said in an interview that India would follow its own quality standards and that "the FDA may regulate its country, but it can't regulate India on how India has to behave or how to deliver."

Singh said his agency regularly inspects manufacturing facilities in India and that it plans to raise the number of inspectors to 5,000 in three to five years, from about 1,500.

"We don't recognize and are not bound by what the U.S. is doing and is inspecting," he added.

Some observers are skeptical of India's commitment to improving quality standards.

Last year, Ranbaxy pleaded guilty to felony U.S. charges of shoddy manufacturing practices and data falsification and agreed to pay $500 million in civil and criminal fines. Dinesh Thakur, a former Ranbaxy executive who blew the whistle on the company nearly a decade ago, said no one in the Indian government has contacted him about the matter.

"Clearly this is not a priority for the Indian government at the moment," he said.

The FDA may be able to ban products from individual facilities but its ability to impose widespread restrictions on India's drugs is limited, since the U.S. relies on them so heavily.

"The dirty little secret in all this is that we can't do without Indian products," said Roger Bate, an economist at the American Enterprise Institute who will moderate a congressional briefing on global substandard and counterfeit medicines on Wednesday. "We have to negotiate and pressure because we can't boycott."

A group of critics, including Bate, Attaran and Dr. Harry Lever, a cardiologist at the Cleveland Clinic, plans to attend the briefing and hopes to put pressure on the White House to take up the issue of drug quality with the Indian government. Lever plans to discuss problems he is increasingly encountering with inferior-quality medicines.

"The Indian government needs to feel some pain on this," Bate said.

Hamburg repeated a call she made while in India for Indian regulators to step up their participation in discussions about global collaboration on drug production.

"India needs to be a full participant at the table," she said.

Global Study on Smoking

The Government is not aware of any such report. However, Ministry of Health and Family welfare undertook the Global Adult Tobacco Survey, India (GATS) during 2009-10. The survey data revealed that more than one third (34.6%) of adults (15 years and older) in India use tobacco in some form or the other. The use of smokeless tobacco (25.9%) is more prevalent than smoking (14.1%). 

GATS India estimated the number of tobacco users in India to be 27.49 crore, with 16.37 crore users of only smokeless tobacco, 6.89 crore only smokers and 4.23 crore users of both smoking and smokeless tobacco. 

The following key steps have been taken by Ministry of Health & Family Welfare to curb smoking and consumption of tobacco products: 

a) The “Cigarettes and other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Act, (COTPA) was enacted in 2003” to discourage tobacco use. 

b) In 2007-08 Government of India launched the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) with the objectives to (i) create awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco consumption, (ii) reduce the production and supply of tobacco products, (iii) ensure effective implementation of the provisions made under (COTPA) and (iv) help the people quit tobacco use through Tobacco Cessation Centres. 

c) Under the 12th Five Year Plan the coverage of National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) has been up-scaled from existing 42 districts of 21 states to 53 districts of 29 states in 2013-2014. Approval has been obtained from Empowered Programme Committee (EPC) under NHM for scaling the programme to more than 600 Districts, in a phase-wise manner during 12th Five Year Plan. 

d) Further, the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restrictions on Sales) Regulations, 2011 dated 1st August 2011, issued under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, lays down that tobacco and nicotine shall not be used as ingredients in any food products. Currently, 33 States / UT’s have issued orders for implementation of the Food Safety Regulations banning manufacture, sale and storage of Gutka and Pan Masala containing tobacco or nicotine. 

e) Dedicated funds have been made available to air public awareness campaigns. A variety of media have been used to create awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco and to reach a wider audience. Dedicated spots have been developed as well as adapted from global best practices. 

f) The Ministry of Health has notified the new graphic health warnings which have come into effect from 1st April 2013. 

g) In order to protect the youth from unnecessary exposure to tobacco imagery in films and TV Programmes, the Ministry has notified the rules to regulate depiction of tobacco products or their use in films and TV programmes. As per these rules, all films and TV programmes (both Indian & Foreign) depicting tobacco products or their use have to screen a health spot of 30 seconds duration and a disclaimer of 20 seconds duration on the harmful effects of tobacco use. 

Vide notification G.S.R. 417 (E ) dated 30th May, 2008 Ministry has notified twelve (12) sets of person who have been authorized to impose and collect fine against violation of the provision related to prohibition of smoking in public places. Further vide notification G.S.R. 680 (E) dated 15th September, 2009 , nine (9 ) additional set of persons have been authorized. 

Further Section 12 of COTPA empowers the state governments to authorize any police officer, not below the rank of a sub-inspector or any officer of State Food or Drug Administration or any other officer, holding the equivalent rank being not below the rank of Sub- Inspector of Police to enforce the provisions under the Act. 

This was stated by Shri Ghulam Nabi Azad, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare in a written reply to the Lok Sabha today.

FDA gets permanent home at Bambolim

PANAJI: After shunting its offices through four different premises in the 40-odd years of its existence, Goa's directorate of food and drug administration (FDA) has finally found its permanent home in its sprawling campus at Bambolim.

Showing off the two-storey laterite stone structure inaugurated on Tuesday, FDA director Salim Veljee said that the design was highly public-friendly, with all public interface restricted to the single large hall in the entrance. "This will be FDA's single facility across Goa, and will be adequate in all aspects, for a minimum of 20 years. We are modernizing all our operations, and becoming completely computer-savvy," said Veljee.

The new office is a far cry from the FDA's ramshackle premises in Altinho, and comes with modern storage facilities for drugs and food items. "Earlier, we faced plenty of problems due to lack of space. Seized food items were often attacked by rats - a disaster as we are supposed to produce them in court in the same condition. We did not have proper climate-controlled storage for drug samples. All these problems have now been solved," he pointed out. The facility has separate storage areas for food items and medicines and a refrigerated unit for perishable goods - all under constant CCTV surveillance to prevent tampering. A library, a 'role-model' kitchen and canteen and large, airy offices complete the picture.

"Now that we have a state of the art conference room, we are planning to have regular training sessions and educational workshops for all food vendors and drug providers. With constant education and monitoring, we hope to set high standards of cleanliness and quality for our street food vendors," he added. The FDA is in the process of recruiting eight new food safety officers and four new drug regulators.

The adjacent laboratory building, which has been located at Bambolim since 2007, will also be upgraded shortly. "We have now started collecting samples of fruits and vegetables, which are sent to a lab in Mysore for pesticide traces and wax coating. Our laboratory will shortly install the sophisticated equipment necessary to do these tests," Veljee said, adding that they already comply with the 14-day turnaround time for every test report.

The FDA is shifting to its new premises over the weekend, and will not function on Friday.

Water unsafe at stns, but rly staff get bubble-tops

Chennai: The bubble-top cans for staff at suburban stations are a dead giveaway. While passengers fill their bottles at taps under the sign ‘Drinking Water’, what they get is far from potable, a study by a team of medical students has shown. 

The purified, packaged water is for railway officials — never mind if the passengers have to make do with water containing bacteria that can cause many diseases. 

The students collected samples from ‘drinking water’ taps at stations on the Beach-Tambaram line. Tests showed that water at 10 suburban stations had high bacterial content and was “unfit for consumption.” 

“When we were collecting the samples, we saw vendors collecting the water to cook. Homeless people drink straight from the taps,” said Sriviji S, a member of the team. 

All samples tested positive for bacteria, but six had a high percentage of Escherichia coli (E. coli), which causes urinary tract infection, gastroenteritis, peritonitis and septicemia. The presence of E. coli indicates faecal contamination. 

“Drinking water should ideally have no E. coli, but a person may consume water contaminated with up to 10mpn (most probable number) per 100ml of water without falling ill. But even those levels are dangerous over time,” said microbiologist Dr S Pushkala. The students found that samples from the Mambalam suburban station had an E. coli content of 1,800mpn per 100ml, the Tirusulam station, 1,600mpn, and Meenambakkam, 920mpn. “The water is clearly contaminated,” Pushkala said, adding that the railways officials should probe the source of the contamination and fix it. 

The medicos also found that the water had high pH (acidity) and turbidity levels. Around 5 lakh people use the Beach-Tambaram line and each station has three to four drinking water taps. 

Railway officials admitted that they rarely test the water at suburban and other stations. “The water that is supplied to these taps is either from borewells or overhead tanks. We sometimes engage tankers. So the source of the contamination is not clear,” a railway official said. “But we need to find the source and ensure that the water in the taps is safe to drink.” 

He said some stations have reverse osmosis units but they are not functional. 

The medical department is responsible for quality checks of drinking water at railway stations. Former director of public health S Elango, who took part in the study, said drinking water at the stations should be checked on a regular basis. 

TROUBLED WATERS 

Stations surveyed: Egmore, Nungambakkam, Saidapet, Kodambakkam, Mambalam, Guindy, St Thomas Mount, Palavanthangal, Meenambakkam, Tirusulam 

Study showed E. coli, a bacteria found in intestines, in the water. Its presence indicates faecal contamination 

Water at Mambalam station, with an E. coli content of 1,800mpn per 100 ml, was the most contaminated 

Study also found that the 

water had high pH (acidity) and turbidity levels

Rs 1.10 lakh imposed fine on 15 shopkeepers under Food Safety Act-2006 in Anantnag

ANANTNAG, FEBRUARY 19:- The Additional Deputy Commissioner Anantnag, who is also the Adjudicating Officer under Food Safety and Standards Act 2006 today imposed a fine of Rs.1.10 lakh on 15 accused shopkeepers who were found selling Mis-Branded and Sub-Standard food items. Complaints were filed by food safety officers of the District in the court of ADC Anantnag against the defaulters.

KIT WILL DETERMINE CAUSES OF FOOD POISONING

New Delhi, 20 February

To help determine the causes of outbreaks of food poisoning and infections effectively, the Union Health Ministery today launched an indigenously developed kit for detection of food-borne pathogens.

The technology has been developed by the National Institute of Nutrition (NIN), Hyderabad.

“The kit for detection of food borne pathogens will be very useful to determine the causes of outbreaks of food poisoning and food borne common infections caused by eating of contaminated eggs, poultry, meat, dairy products as well as vegetables, contaminated with water borne infections,” Union Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad said while launching the kit.

The Minister highlighted that this user friendly and rapid detection system will be of immense use not only to the Food Safety Authority of India but also to the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme, which reports on food poisoning outbreaks and to diagnostic laboratories in Government as well as to private sector.

Studies show that about 13 per cent of deaths, among children of less than five years of age, are due to diarrhoea, which is caused essentially due to consumption of contaminated food and water, Azad said. The kits developed by NIN, in collaboration with Bioserve Biotechnologies, are indigenous, less time consuming and cost 1/3rd of the imported kits costs.

Use of the kits by the food industry will not only help domestic consumers in having safe food but also help reducing export rejections on account of microbiological contamination.

The second kit, Azad said, will help in estimating the quantity of ferritin and help in diagnosing iron deficiency anaemia individually as well as for mass level screening.

“This test will be useful to decide supplementation of iron according to the need and also to avoid iron dosing in conditions where iron accumulates in the body; for instance due to repeated blood transfusions in cases of Thalassemia, Haemophilia and others,” Azad said.

The present estimates of anaemia due to iron deficiency in different groups vary widely from 5 per cent to 50 per cent. 

Besides this variation, there are large numbers of adolescent boys and girls who are anaemic. As per National Family Health Survey, 56 per cent of girls and 30 per cent of boys in the age group of 10-19 years are anaemic, the Minister said. In India, anaemia control strategies are based on haemoglobin levels. However, estimation of serum ferritin has been found to be the specific diagnostic tool for early detection of iron deficiency. Therefore, a ferritin test helps to diagnose with certainty and the extent of iron deficiency, avoiding unnecessary iron supplementation. It is based on ELISA principle and is specific, very accurate, cost effective and convenient method comparable to other commercially available kits, Azad said. The third kit is for diagnosing Vitamin-A deficiency. The dried blood spot collection system for Plasma Vitamin-A estimation is a simple system that allows the blood to be collected on a special type of filter paper which can be stored for 7 days at room temperature and for several days at refrigerated temperature.

“It will be valuable for mass screening for deciding on Vitamin-A supplementation as and when required. This system will reduce the inconvenience to children, cost of blood collection, storage and transportation associated with conventional vein puncture method of blood collection,” said Azad.

A national prophylaxis programme to prevent and control night blindness due to Vitamin A deficiency was first started in 1970, under which children aged between 1 to 5 years are administered vitamin A at six monthly intervals.

Currently, 30 million children are receiving vitamin A supplementation, which is linked with DPT and oral polio under universal immunization to increase the coverage. Launching new kits will help in better implementation of national programmes going on in these directions. Government implemented the renewed weekly iron and folic acid supplementation (WIFS) January, 2013, to give iron supplementation to 13 crore young girls and boys.

'Tech-based Solutions for Spice Sector'

Active involvement of stakeholders in sustainability initiatives and need for technology-oriented solutions are the major concerns to be addressed by the spices sector. 

This was the finding of the four-day World Spice Congress, which concluded here on Wednesday.

As of now, the drivers of sustainability are mostly consumers and suppliers, but it is necessary that initiatives for the same should reach the producers also. This is one of the major challenges the sector needs to address immediately, said the panelists at the plenary session of the congress.

It was also stated that the agricultural sector is facing acute shortage of manpower. Therefore, the need for technology-oriented solutions is critical in the sector. 

Innovative technology needs to be used to produce high-quality goods which conform to global food safety norms and effective branding needs to be put in place to create an impact in the world market.

Addressing the congress, Rajeev Kher, Secretary, Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, said that India has ample potential in terms of promotion of non-conventional applications and exports of innovative products derived from spices. 

The focus should be on non-traditional aspects of spices in sectors such as healthcare, fragrances, cosmetics and garments, which in turn has the capacity to define a new market for Indian spices, globally.

US Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Margaret Hamburg, who addressed the delegates, expressed satisfaction at the Indo-US collaboration designed to enhance systematic responses for addressing challenges related to food safety and the spice industry.

The World Spice Congress saw the participation of delegates from 45 countries. The event had about 460 delegates from India and 265 participants from other countries. 

The next World Spice 

Congress is proposed to be held on an even more extensive scale, with active participation from national spice associations and global spice associations from other spice-producing countries.

US inspectors shutter California slaughterhouse Associated Press

HANFORD, Calif. (AP) — Federal inspectors shut down a central California slaughterhouse that supplies beef to the National School Lunch Program because of unsanitary conditions.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service said in a statement Tuesday that the conditions prompted it to withdraw inspectors and suspend operations at Central Valley Meat Co. in Hanford, about 30 miles south of Fresno.

"The plant's suspension will be lifted once we receive adequate assurances of corrective action," the agency said.

Company representatives didn't immediately return a phone message left by The Associated Press on Tuesday evening.

In 2012, Central Valley Meat Co. shut down for a week after Compassion Over Killing, an animal rights group, sent videos to federal officials showing workers torturing cows with electric prods and spraying hot water on the animals, the Los Angeles Times reported (http://lat.ms/1m8qZU8).

The abuse led to the end of the company's relationship with In-N-Out restaurants. The national lunch program and McDonald's also suspended purchases.

Federal inspectors didn't find that the animals' treatment affected food safety.

The facility reopened after submitting a plan of action that included training its workers to use electric prods correctly and banning taking in cows not able to walk or stand.

Last September, Central Valley recalled 58,000 pounds of beef for the school lunch program after federal officials said the meat possibly contained pieces of plastic. There was no recall in Tuesday's announcement.

Running out of time: Govt introduces two bills, Rajya Sabha passes four Bills without discussion

 NEW DELHI: Running out of time to complete pending legislative business in the current session of Parliament, the Upper House on Wednesday introduced two bills and passed four others including the ones to protect the right of urban street vendors and safeguard them against harassment by police and civic authorities.

Though the two bills - one to bring uniformity in the tenure, allowances and retirement age of chairpersons and members of the various tribunals and other one relating to food safety and standards - were introduced in the din, the members passed the four pending Bills with voice votes when the House was in order.

Since members from all political parties agreed to clear these proposed legislation quickly without any discussion, the House passed all the four Bills within 30 minutes.

The bills which were passed include setting up Rani Lakshmi Bai Central Agriculture University in Bundelkhand region of Uttar Pradesh, converting the Bengal Engineering and Science University in Sibpur, West Bengal, into an institute of national importance and the one relating to provide secretarial assistance and other benefits to former governors.

The Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Bill, 2014 -- which provides for protection of livelihoods rights, social security of street vendors -- was passed by Lok Sabha in September last year.

Allaying apprehensions of MPs about adequate representation to vendors and others in panels for decision like determination of natural market, the housing and urban poverty alleviation minister Girija Vyas assured them that 40% members of the 'Town Vending Committees' will be from amongst street vendors including women and persons from SC/ST categories.

The Bill has provision to constitution of a 'Town Vending Authority' in each local authority to ensure participatory decision making for aspects like determination of natural market, identification of vending zones, preparation of street vending plan and survey of street vendors among others.

Responding to members' concerns over identification of street vendors, the minister said that a survey for this purpose would be taken up at the earliest to ensure certificates to street vendors.

The National Institute of Technology, Science Education and Research (Amendment) Bill, 2013 was passed after minister of state for HRD Shashi Tharoor moved it in the absence of HRD minister M M Pallam Raju who is a Lok Sabha member of Congress from Andhra Pradesh

Raising objections to Tharoor moving the bill in the absence of Raju, BJP member Ravi Shankar Prasad raised a point of order saying a bill can be moved only by a cabinet minister and not by a junior minister unless permitted to do so. He also sought to know why Pallam Raju was not present in the House for passage of the Bill. Deputy chairman P J Kurien, however, said the Chair has allowed him to do so.

The bill, which also seeks to transform the university into Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology (IIEST), was passed by Lok Sabha in December.

The bill to bring uniformity in the tenure, allowances and retirement age of chairpersons and members of the various tribunals functioning in the country was introduced by the law minister Kapil Sibal. The bill provides chairpersons and members of tribunals a uniform tenure of a maximum of five years. But, they will have varied retirement ages of 70 years for a Supreme Court judge and 67 years for a High Court judge.

The retirement age of 65 has been proposed for those who join tribunals from the administrative side. As of now, some tribunals have a three-year tenure for retired judges, while others provide for five years.

The other bill was introduced by the health minister Ghulam Nabi Azad. It is related to amending the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. The current Parliament session will end on Friday.

SMC serves ‘improve notice’ to KU cafeteria

Srinagar, Feb 19: In an effort to make summer capital Srinagar a “best food city,” Srinagar Municipal Corporation Wednesday raided cafeterias at University of Kashmir, filing a challan against a cafeteria owner at the varsity for using excessive “mono sodium glutamate and synthetic colouring agents” in food which is hazardous for human consumption.

An SMC team lead by Health Officer Dr Shafkat found out Iqbal Library cafeteria “in gross unhygienic conditions.”

The officials said that the SMC food safety team will be regularly inspecting canteens in University premises.

The canteen was not just found in gross unhygienic conditions, but the utensils along with the insanitary food items were confiscated by the team on spot.

Officials said a challan was framed against the manager of the cafeteria which was later produced before the court of Municipal Magistrate Srinagar.

“The manager was warned to desist from using such non permitted food colours. If he doesn’t improve his services, strict action will be taken against owner of the cafeteria,” SMC spokesperson said in a statement here. “Some of the food stuff was also destroyed for using harmful chemicals.”

The cafeteria owner was directed to keep the premises well sanitized and fully hygienic in future “otherwise the cafeteria shall be sealed down.”

Dr Shafkat said such inspections would continue in and around the university.

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

Notably the Health Department of SMC recently cracked whip on some of the local companies for using the substandard material in their production. SMC has also prepared a prosecution case against the Company under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

MAALAI MALAR NEWS

DINAMALAR & DINAMANI NEWS

ரூ.20 லட்சம் புகையிலை பொருட்கள் பறிமுதல் - வணிகவரிதுறை அதிகாரிகள் அதிரடி

கோவை, பிப். 19: 

சென்னையில் இருந்து கோவைக்கு கடத்த முயன்ற ரூ.20 லட்சம் மதிப்புள்ள ஹான்ஸ் புகையிலை பொருட்களை, வணிகவரிதுறை அதிகாரிகள் நேற்று பறிமுதல் செய்தனர். 

தமிழகத்தில் ஹான்ஸ், கணேஷ், பான்மசாலா உள்ளிட்ட புகையிலை பொருட்கள் விற்பனை செய்ய தடை செய்யப்பட்டுள்ளது. இந்நிலையில், சென்னையில் இருந்து கோவை ரங்கேகவுடர் வீதியில் உள்ள வடமாநில வியாபாரியின் குடோனுக்கு கடத்தி வருவதாக வணிகவரி துறையினருக்கு ரகசிய தகவல் கிடைத்தது. இதன்பேரில், கோவை&அவிநாசி ரோடு அண்ணாசிலை அருகே வணிகவரி துறை அதிகாரிகள் வாகன சோதனையில் நேற்று அதிகாலை ஈடுபட்டனர். அப்போது, சந்தேகத்தின் அடிப்படையில் அந்த வழியே வந்த லாரியை மறித்து ஆய்வு செய்தனர். 

ஆய்வில், ரூ.20 லட்சத்துக்கு மேல் மதிப்புள்ள ஐந்தரை டன் ஹான்ஸ் பாக்கெட்கள், மூட்டை மூட்டையாக இருந்தது. இதனை, சென்னையில் இருந்து கோவைக்கு கடத்தி வந்ததும் தெரியவந்தது. அதனால், வணிகவரி துறை அதிகாரிகள், கோவை வணிகவரி துறை அலுவலகத்துக்கு லாரியை ஓட்டி வந்தனர். லாரி டிரைவரிடம் வணிகவரிதுறை அதிகாரிகள் விசாரணை நடத்தி வருகின்றனர். தொடர்ந்து, கோவை மாவட்ட உணவு பாதுகாப்புத்துறை அலுவலர் கதிரவன், வணிகவரி செயலாக்க பிரிவு துணை கமிஷனர் சங்கரநாராயணன் ஆகியோர், ஹான்ஸ் புகையிலை பொருட்களை சோதனையிட்டனர். 

ஆய்வில், ரூ.20 லட்சத்துக்கு மேல் மதிப்புள்ள ஐந்தரை டன் ஹான்ஸ் பாக்கெட்கள், மூட்டை மூட்டையாக இருந்தது. இதனை, சென்னையில் இருந்து கோவைக்கு கடத்தி வந்ததும் தெரியவந்தது. அதனால், வணிகவரி துறை அதிகாரிகள், கோவை வணிகவரி துறை அலுவலகத்துக்கு லாரியை ஓட்டி வந்தனர். லாரி டிரைவரிடம் வணிகவரிதுறை அதிகாரிகள் விசாரணை நடத்தி வருகின்றனர். தொடர்ந்து, கோவை மாவட்ட உணவு பாதுகாப்புத்துறை அலுவலர் கதிரவன், வணிகவரி செயலாக்க பிரிவு துணை கமிஷனர் சங்கரநாராயணன் ஆகியோர், ஹான்ஸ் புகையிலை பொருட்களை சோதனையிட்டனர். 

இதுகுறித்து, உணவுபாதுகாப்புதுறை அலுவலர் கதிரவன் கூறுகையில்,“மாதிரி சோதனைக்கு சில ஹான்ஸ் பாக்கெட்கள் எடுக்கப்பட்டுள்ளன. இதுகுறித்த முடிவு 14 நாட்களில் தெரியவரும். சோதனையில், நிக்கோட்டின் நச்சு இருப்பது தெரியவந்தால், ஐந்தரை டன் ஹான்ஸ் பாக்கெட்கள் அழிக்கப்படும்” என்றார்.

Tobacco products seized

Officials from the Sales Tax department seized a lorry containing tobacco products worth Rs.20 lakh from Variety Hall Road on Monday night.

The Sales Tax department received a tip off that a lorry loaded with tobacco products was parked on Variety Hall Road based on which the officials went to the spot around 10.30 p.m. and found that the driver and cleaner were not around. They found about more than two tonnes of tobacco products stocked in the lorry.

The officials seized the lorry that had come from Chennai. Investigations are on to find out the consignor, consignee and the lorry owner.

26 food samples collected

Ludhiana, February 18

The Health Department staff today collected 26 food samples from different parts of the city. On the directions of the Civil Surgeon, Subhash Batta, food safety officers collected the samples under the supervision of the District Health Officer , Dr Avinash Kumar. 

The samples include ketchup, refined oil, biscuits, turmeric powder, juice, milk, soft drink and mustard oil, etc. 

The samples have been sent to the food laboratory, Chandigarh. Action will be taken against defaulters under the Food Safety and Standard Act after the receipt of the report.

'Unsafe' food continues to be advertized, sold

NAGPUR: A sample of food once found unsafe for consumption is not supposed to be advertised. However, a consumer rights organization from the city has found advertisements of a product that was deemed unsafe after they sent its sample to a Mysore-based laboratory. They have lodged a complaint with the local Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as well as with the district administration.

The said product from Suruchi Masale was one of the raw materials used for preparing meals at the government hospitals of the city. After receiving a complaint about the food there, Anti-Adulteration Consumer Society sent the samples to the local FDA laboratory where it's safety was certified. The same samples, however, were deemed unsafe for consumption by a Mysore-based referral laboratory.

"According to FDA rules, a product that is once found unsafe or adulterated cannot be advertised or even sold in the market. While the reports about the product being unsafe are a couple of months old, no action has been taken by the FDA. Even the certification of authority of the product has not been taken back. More importantly, it was advertised in two leading dailies of the city on Sunday (February 16, 2014)," informed Shahid Sharif, president of the society.

He said the society already sent the notification about the advertisements and the other complaints against the products to the collector, who is the chairman of district consumer protection council, the district supplier officer, who is the member secretary, and to the many malls and railways not to serve food with these products.

DSO Prashant Kale acknowledged having received the information. "We did not know about it before the letter from the Anti-Adulteration Consumer Society informed us about the same. We have initiated necessary action against the company," he said.

Public interest litigation questions draft rules for excess caffeine in beverages

MUMBAI: A public interest litigation (PIL) filed before the Bombay high court has now questioned draft amendments to food safety rules that would permit extra caffeine to be added to non-alcoholic beverages. 

A PIL by the Society for Awareness for Civil Rights, a Mumbai-based NGO, was scheduled but did not reach its first hearing on Tuesday in the HC. The petition said an April 2013 draft regulations issued by the health ministry ought to be set aside as they would permit manufacturers of "energy drinks" to add caffeine in excess of 145 ppm per litre. 

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, the apex body that governs food safety in the country, also seeks to create a "new category in beverages with a view to permit manufacturers or importers to sell beverages with higher caffeine content than what is permitted by earlier rules," said the PIL. 

The PIL said the HC must direct the Centre to classify caffeine as a "drug" and not "food" because of its deleterious effect on a person's health if consumed in excess. 

"Caffeine is a habit-forming additive," said the PIL.

Working with India to improve drug quality, safety: USFDA

The US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) today said it was working with regulators here to enhance the quality and safety of drugs as 40 per cent of generic drugs exported to America were from India. 

Margaret Hamburg, the visiting Commissioner of the US health regulator, termed India as a very important partner for her country in the pharma sector. 

"India is a very important partner and nearly 40 per cent generic drugs in the US come from India. Indian pharma industry is leader in many areas. They need to meet the standards and expectations of American regulatory system and we want to work with them. We need to work together to ensure quality and safety," Hamburg told reporters here at the end of her first official trip to India. 

"If Indian pharma companies want to sell in the US, they need to comply with our standards, practices and expectations. By working together we can enhance quality and better ensure the health of public," she said in response to queries over FDA decision to ban leading pharma players like Ranbaxy and Wockhardt for not following quality standards. 

Indian pharma companies have good growth potential, Hamburg said, adding if any company wants to become a significant player in the international market it will have to pay attention to global standards. 

Hamburg asked the Indian health regulators to work closely with their foreign peers. "We are increasing our focus as a community of regulators to address global challenges and we work together to share information. We urge Indian regulators to join with us." 

As part of an enhancing mechanism across the world, the USFDA is strengthening its India operations by having 19 investigators from the present 12, she said. 

India is also 8th largest exporter of seafood and leading exporter of spices to the US. 

On food safety regulations, Hamburg said: "We had very encouraging discussion with the Export Inspection Council and representative of food exporters. We have had a number of areas where we worked together to address food safety problems. We are preparing a framework for action and a number of collaborative activities like training and education.

HIGH SUGAR, CALORIES IN PACKAGED DRINKS: STUDY

Why fruit juice isn’t better than cola

How many times have you settled for a packaged fruit drink instead of a fizzy cola for health reasons? Turns out that the fruit drink contains the same amounts of sugar and calories as the cola. 

Researchers from the University of Glasgow’s Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences observed that high intake of fruit juices can lead to an increased risk of diabetes. The team pointed out that most packaged fruit juices had an energy density and sugar content similar to other sugary drinks and called for a more comprehensive labelling of fruit juice cartons. Researchers compared 250ml of a packaged fruit drink and a fizzy cola and found that while one serving of apple juice typically contained 110 kcal and 26g of sugar, a serving of cola contains 105 kcal and 26.5g of sugar. 

While similar studies have not been carried out in Chennai, diabetologists and nutritionists in the city agree that the observations are true in the case of packaged fruit drinks here. They could spell danger for diabetics and pre-diabetics. A study sponsored by the Indian Council of Medical Research found 62 million people across the country were diabetic, and 77 million were pre-diabetic. 

Dr Vijay Viswanathan, senior diabetologist at MV Diabetes Research Centre, said that many packaged juices increase the risk of diabetes if consumed in excess. “Each carton contains concentrated sugar and simple carbohydrates which when consumed, especially after a meal, makes the blood sugar peak. We advise diabetics never to drink fruit juices and go for the whole fruit instead,” he said. 

The 26g sugar in each serving of fruit juice means the person is taking five tablespoons of sugar, points out nutritionist Meenakshi Bajaj, Tamil Nadu Government Multi-Super Specialty Hospital. “Those who need instant energy can drink a lot of fruit juice, but diabetics should avoid it. Summer is here and people tend to gulp packaged fruit juice when they are thirsty,” she said. She added that consuming sugar-rich juice could lead to acute glucose toxicity which may result in damaging the liver, eyes and kidneys in the long run. 

Senior diabetologist Dr Anand Moses warned that packaged fruit juices also contained preservatives apart from added sugar. “It is always better to eat whole fruits and vegetables to absorb the goodness. Moreover, people should read the label of the juice packs so they can make an informed choice,” he said.

This non-veg burger may land McD in trouble

Wrong serve Police complaint after chicken burger served for a veg order; e-way joint may face case under Food Safety and Standard Act

Pune: A CEO of solar panel making company has filed a police complaint against a popular food joint McDonald’s alleging that the food joint staff gave him non-vegetarian burger despite ordering for a vegetarian burger.

On Saturday evening Gopal Kabra (33), a resident of Lake Town in Pune’s Bibwewadi area, was returning home from Mumbai along with his wife and nine-month old daughter by a car. On the way, they stopped for refreshments near Talegoan Dhabhade.

“Around 5 pm, we reached McDonald’s. Me and my wife being vegetarians, we ordered a paneer spicy burger along with a coffee. The cashier suggested we try the new burger which comes in a certain combo. We ordered two combo packs. The moment I took a bite of the burger, I realised something is wrong with it. I thought it was rotten paneer,” Kabra explained.

When he informed the cashier about the unusual taste, the cashier claimed that the food was hygienic. He then asked cashier to taste the same burger. He tasted it and said it was chicken. “Even after all this, instead of apologising the deputy manager of the joint said it was no big deal, and it was a small mistake. Other customers at the joint suggested I tell the police and teach them a lesson.”

Kabra approached Talegoan Dhabhade police station and gave a complaint. The seized burgers have been sent to the Pune Cantonment based Food testing laboratory.

Assistant police inspector Rajendra Patil of Talegaon Dhabhade police station said, “We have seized the burger and have carried out a panchanama of the spot. We have also sought legal opinion on this. The burger will be sent to Food Drug Administration (FDA), who will send it for testing. After the laboratory reports come, a case will be registered.”

Shashikant Kekare, joint commissioner (Food), FDA said, “The chemical analysis of the food ingredients and food microbiologist will give its opinion on the seized burger. If the report is positive then the food joint will face a case under Food Safety and Standard Act, 2006. Under the same act, I have special powers where I can penalise the food joint and file a court case against them.”

Senior lawyer SK Jain said, “At present, police can register a case of cheating under Indian Penal Code where the punishment is maximum of seven years and a separate case can be registered under the Food Safety and Standard Act, 2006. There are sections regarding unsafe food also under genetically modified foods, organic foods, functional foods and proprietary foods. One can also file a seperate plaint before the consumer forum under Consumer Protection Act.” The employees at the food joint in question refused to comment on this issue.

Quality test for food items soon

FSSAI is now concentrating only on safety, hygiene aspects 

Enforcement of safety and hygiene standard for food is to be a continuous process for the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and the next level will be to take up the qualitative improvement of food items available in the market, chairman of FSSAI K. Chandramouli has said.

‘‘At present, the FSSAI is only setting minimum standards for food and trying to make sure that the safety and hygiene standards are met scrupulously. We have not yet started talking about what constitutes healthy food or what should be the safe levels of various additives and preservatives that go into various food items. We will be addressing these issues for consumers once we have our full infrastructure and testing facilities in place,’’ Mr. Chandramouli said.

Talking to The Hindu, Mr. Chandramouli said that though the Food Safety and Standards Act was a consumer-driven law, many seemed to be finding it inconvenient and draconian.

‘‘Ever since the FSSAI came into being, there had been a plethora of complaints and some 150 court cases challenging its authority. The Act is such an extensive one that it covers all those who are involved in the food business, from multinationals right down to the street food vendor, While the same enforcement strategy will not work for all groups, we need to take everyone on board. Ultimately, every food business operator (FBO) is also a consumer,” he said.

After the Act was enforced, some 32-35 lakh licences had been issued to FBOs across India.

“Our primary task is to establish a good network of laboratories and testing facilities, without which, food safety cannot be ensured. The FSSAI has put up a proposal asking for an allocation of Rs.850 crore in the 12th Plan to this end. All States are facing the same problem of shortage of enforcement officials and the lack of adequate testing facilities, with the result that samples collected for checking are piling up and arbitrations are not going forward. But States can make use of the excellent Central lab facilities till they set up their own and the FSSAI will notify these labs to enable sample testing,’’ he said.

The FSSAI has set up nine scientific panels to go into various aspects of food safety, including additives, flavouring agents, neutraceuticals, and diabetic products. It is also in the process of evolving standards for various food items. At present, standards have been fixed for only 377 items under the Act.

Major challenge

“A major challenge is to evolve standards for high-end food and processed food, which will stand up to international scrutiny. We also need to evolve food safety standards and harmonise these with Codex and other international standards,” Mr. Chandramouli said.

Enforcement of safety standard to continue

FSSAI has set up nine scientific panels

Call to Explore 'Nutraceutical' Property of Indian Spices

Apart from traditional sectors, the ‘nutraceutical’ and medicinal properties of spices should be explored, said J S Deepak, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Commerce and Industry. He was delivering the inaugural address at the 12th World Spice Congress (WSC) 2014, here on Sunday. He said processed, packaged and branded spice products should be exported from the country more. 

“The government wants the next World Spice Congress to be held in a global platform wherein we will seek active participation from global spice associations from other spice producing countries like the Sri Lanka. India exports only 10 per cent of the total production of spices, yet we hold a business share of 45 per cent in the global spice market. This clearly indicates the magnitude of the opportunity and for this value added products are the key,” he said. While mentioning the importance of maintaining quality standards, Deepak said the private sector can play a role in this regard. 

“Once the harmonisation of global quality standards for spices and culinary herbs as envisaged by Codex Committee on Spices and Culinary Herbs (CCSCH) becomes a reality, India has a better chance in the global market. This in turn is expected to facilitate international spice trade through better transparency. The government expects that this will come into effect soon,” he said. 

CCSCH was set up by Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC), the influential body that sets global food standards. Deepak further said spices are not only a business but it affects the livelihood of many people in the country. Hence the government is committed to extend its full hearted support to the sector. Spices Board chairman A Jayathilak said the World Spice Congress looks forward to threadbare deliberations setting up a momentum for action to raise food safety and maintain sustainability. 

“The congress will set up a forum for discussion on crops, markets and recent trends in this industry. The event will explore methods that can be implemented practically. The Spice Congress is an opportunity for the global community to come together,” he said. 

All India Spice Exporters’ Forum chairman Geemon K Korah spoke. Over 700 delegates from 40 countries are participating in the congress, which will conclude on February 19.