Top Questions From Discussion Forums Answered By FoodSafetyHelpline Experts

FoodSafetyHelpline experts replied to the recent queries:

Q. What is difference between FSSAI/State FDA Registration & License?

A. FSSAI is the apex food regulator in India for the manufacture, sale, distribution, import of the food article. FSSAI is the central licensing authority for regulating & implementing the Food Safety & Standards Act, 2006. The state food authorities work under the FSSAI regulations. The criteria for state/central license & registration will depend upon various factors like production capacity, annual turnover etc.

Please go through the below links for your better understanding:

Criteria for Registration

Criteria for Central License

Criteria for State License

Q. I want to know that for sale of Nutritional Health Supplement, which license should I take?

A. You have to obtain a license under the Food Safety & Standards Act, 2006. If you are not a manufacturer or the brand owner of the Nutritional Health Supplement, then you can apply online for the license as now there is an online procedure for the same. If you are the brand owner of the product then first you have to apply for the Food Product Approval as per Section 22 of the Food Safety & Standards Act, 2006 and then you can apply for the license.

Q. As per notification 4/15015/30/2011 Dt 23.06.14 – time to comply with license logo display on label is up to 1st Jan’2015.

But if one FBO is issued the license number by FSSAI on 1st Jan’2015, by when he has to display it on Label. Is there any notification in this regard giving timelines. Draft amendment issued on 29.12.2011 specified a provision of 6 months from date of issue of license which in is not there in Gazatte notification – PL PROVIDE CLARITY.

A. As on date, the latest advisory has superseded the earlier communications by the food authority in this regard and every food business operator has to abide by the contents of the latest advisory which says that from January 1, 2015, FSSAI logo and License number should be mentioned on the label of a food product. Also, we would like to add here that the specified provision of 6 months was ‘from the date of issue of the notification’ and not ‘from date of issue of licensee’, that period too has expired.

Q. Want to know what is the last amended date to put licence no. on prepackaged foods?

A. As per the latest advisory issued by the food authority, from January 1, 2015, every prepackaged food article should bear FSSAI logo and License number on the label.

Food Safety Bill Withdrawn From RS for Further Amendments

The government today withdrew from the Rajya Sabha a bill related to food safety and standards which it wants to amend further taking into account recent court judgments.

The Food Safety and Standards (Amendment) Bill, 2014 was withdrawn by Minister of State for Health Shripad Yasso Naik.

The previous UPA government had proposed amendments to the Act to expand the composition of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and dispense with certain conditions in public interest while making regulations on food.

The bill was introduced in Rajya Sabha on February 19, this year.

However, the move to withdraw the bill was objected by P Rajeeve (CPI-M), who said it was under consideration of a Standing Committee.

"On the basis of this statement, the House has no legislative competence," Rajeeve said, referring to papers apparently provided to him by the government.

PJ Kurien, who was in the Chair, said the objection is "pertinent" and if the bill is with the Committee, the House cannot withdraw it.

Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi then told the House that a report had been received from the Committee.

Following Naqvi's intervention, Kurien said that it is very clear that a report had come from the Committee and it is on record with the Minister also having said so.

The motion was then adopted and the Food Safety and Standards (Amendment) Bill 2014 withdrawn.

An official statement released last month said the bill needs to be further amended after taking into account judgements of the Supreme Court, Lucknow Bench of Allahabad High Court, and representations received by the government and other recent developments.

Food safety bill withdrawn from RS for further amendments

New Delhi: The government on Tuesday withdrew from the Rajya Sabha a bill related to food safety and standards which it wants to amend further taking into account recent court judgments.

The Food Safety and Standards (Amendment) Bill, 2014 was withdrawn by Minister of State for Health Shripad Yasso Naik.

The previous UPA government had proposed amendments to the Act to expand the composition of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and dispense with certain conditions in public interest while making regulations on food.

The bill was introduced in Rajya Sabha on February 19, this year.

However, the move to withdraw the bill was objected by P Rajeeve (CPI-M), who said it was under consideration of a Standing Committee.

"On the basis of this statement, the House has no legislative competence," Rajeeve said, referring to papers apparently provided to him by the government.

PJ Kurien, who was in the Chair, said the objection is "pertinent" and if the bill is with the Committee, the House cannot withdraw it.

Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi then told the House that a report had been received from the Committee.

Following Naqvi's intervention, Kurien said that it is very clear that a report had come from the Committee and it is on record with the Minister also having said so.

The motion was then adopted and the Food Safety and Standards (Amendment) Bill 2014 withdrawn.

An official statement released last month said the bill needs to be further amended after taking into account judgements of the Supreme Court, Lucknow Bench of Allahabad High Court, and representations received by the government and other recent developments.

HC Tells TDB to Ensure Adherence to Food Safety Norms

KOCHI: The Kerala High Court on Tuesday directed the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) to ensure that the standards prescribed by the Food Safety Commissioner are strictly followed in the preparation of ‘appam’ and ‘aravana’ at the Lord Ayyappa Temple at Sabarimala. The Division Bench also held that if any batch of the ‘prasadam’ is not prepared in conformity with the standards it should not be distributed to devotees.

The Bench, comprising Justice P N Raveendran and Justice P B Suresh Kumar, passed the order based on a report by the Special Commissioner on the preparation of appam and aravana.

In 2012, the court had directed the TDB to follow the suggestions of the Commissioner on the production, packaging and handling of aravana and appam at the Sabarimala temple.

The court also observed that the laboratory on the temple premises should be functional during the monthly poojas and in the ‘mandalam makaravilakku’ season. There should be a complete regulatory mechanism in place with regard to the procurement of materials, as well as the production and packaging of aravana and appam.

The Bench held that the District Collector and the Sabarimala Special Commissioner should ensure the compliance of the order.

Ensure quality of Sabarimala ‘prasadom,’ court tells TDB

A Division Bench of the High Court on Tuesday directed the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) to ensure that Appam and Aravana at Sabarimala are prepared in accordance with the standards prescribed by the Food Safety Commissioner.

The Bench comprising Justice P.N. Ravindran and Justice P.B. Suresh Kumar ordered that if the ‘prasadom’ had not been prepared as per the prescribed standards, it should not be distributed to devotees.

The court asked the District Collector, Pathanamthitta, and the District Police Chief to ensure compliance.

The court also recalled that the Bench had already issued directives to supply quality food at Sabarimala during the Mandalam-Makaravilakku season. The Bench said it had ordered steps to ensure the quality of ‘prasadom’ ingredients

Plea of accused dismissed

The Kerala High Court on Tuesday dismissed a petition filed by four accused seeking to quash the case registered in connection with the sale of substandard shawarma in Thiruvananthapuram.
The Crime Branch had registered cases under the provisions of the Food Safety Act and under section 304 of Indian Penal Code (culpable homicide not amounting to murder). The prosecution case against Abdul Khadar and others was that after having shawarma prepared and sold from their shop, on July 7, 2012, ten customers were admitted to various hospitals for treatment of food poisoning. Besides, a youth who had eaten shawarma from the shop died in Bangalore.
The court said that the petitioners were not entitled to get the case quashed.

Traders selling milk directed to keep testing machines

Jammu, December 9The Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) has directed shopkeepers dealing with milk distribution to keep milk testing machines on their premises.

The corporation has directed shopkeepers dealing with milk to place cow, buffalo and mixed milk separately on their premises.

Trying to stop the influx of adulterated milk in the city, the JMC has also decided to deploy teams of food safety officers at points from where the milk vendors enter city.

This has been decided as one of the steps to check the quality of milk before it reaches consumers. The corporation has also given its telephone numbers — 2571308 and 18001807034 (toll free) — in case of any complaint against shopkeepers.

“Officials have also been instructed to check licences of all milk vendors entering the limits of the Municipal Corporation and should not allow any milk vendor without licence to enter. They should also check the quality of milk sold by vendors who possess licence,” said a municipal official.

A senior municipal official said the civic body was fighting a losing battle against the adulteration in the city as it did not have required facility and equipment to test milk and its products.

Drive to stop adulteration

• The Municipal Corporation has directed shopkeepers dealing with milk to place cow, buffalo and mixed milk separately on their premises
• Trying to stop the influx of adulterated milk into the city, the MC has also decided to deploy teams of food safety officers at points from where the milk vendors enter the city
• The MC has also given its telephone numbers —2571308 and 18001807034 (toll free) — in case of any complaint against shopkeepers

“To curb adulteration of milk, FDA Maharashtra to make plans”: Bhapkar

Milk adulteration is one of the key challenges faced by Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Maharashtra, and plans would be chalked out to curb it and sell quality, hygienic milk. This was stated by state FDA commissioner Dr Purushottam Bhapkar while speaking on Monday. 

In this regard, FDA Maharashtra is currently in talks with several non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and consumer organisations like Mumbai Grahak Panchayat for coming up with initiatives in curbing the malpractice. 

Shubhada Chaukar, member, managing committee, Mumbai Grahak Panchayat, said, “We have started a campaign called Pure Milk - Our Right to educate consumers about various types of milk adulteration and the ill-effects of the malpractice.” 

“We would encourage them to file complaints against those found indulging in adulteration,” she added. 

“But that is not enough to completely end adulteration. We need the help of state FDA and police officials, who would act against the culprits. We met Bhapkar, and sought his assistance,” she explained. 

Since the month of August, when Bhapkar was appointed state FDA chief, a great deal of emphasis has been put on food safety and the implementation of the Food Safety and Standards Regulations (FSSR), 2011. 

Further, raids have been carried out in the state in the past two to three months in ensuring sale of safe and hygienic food at shops, eateries, restaurants and other places.

Commenting on the raids, Bhapkar stated, “As a recent appointee, the major concern for me is to provide safe and hygienic food to public during the festive season.” 

“Thus, with strict vigilance maintained by officials throughout the season, a huge Diwali campaign was carried out all over Maharashtra, wherein 1,695 samples of food specially made for the season were collected, and goods worth Rs 1,51,62,077 were seized all over the state,” he added. 

“Another prime concern for the state was governance and implementation of the ban of tobacco and gutkha, which came into effect on July 20, 2012,” Bhapkar said. 

“In the last two years, FDA Maharashtra seized gutkha and allied products worth Rs 44.33 crore. So far, 1,078 cases have been registered against them,” he added. 

“It must be noted that only scented gutkha and tobacco have been banned, and their raw forms haven’t,” he signed off.

மினரல் வாட்டரில் மினரலே இல்லை! தேவை அதிக கவனம் கேன் வாட்டரில் வைரஸ்தான் உள்ளது!

பயணங்களின் போது கவுரவத்துக்காகவோ, தவிர்க்க இயலாமலோ பேக்கேஜுட் வாட்டரை பயன்படுத்த ஆரம்பித்த நாம், இன்று வாட்டர் கேன் வராவிட்டால் குடும்பம் நடத்த முடியாது என்ற நிலைமைக்கு வந்துவிட்டோம். 20 லிட்டர் தண்ணீர் கேன் 40 ரூபாய் என்று விற்கப் படும் அளவுக்கு, ஆயிரக்கணக்கான கோடிகள் புழங்கும் மிகப்பெரிய வர்த்தகமாக இது உருவாகியிருக்கிறது.

அத்தியாவசியப் பொருளான தண்ணீர், விலைப் பொருளாக மாறிய கொடுமை ஒருபக்கம் இருக்கட்டும்... ‘சுகாதாரமானது’ என்று நாம் நம்பி வாங்கும் இந்த வாட்டர்உண்மையிலேயேபாதுகாப்பானதுதானா என்ற சந்தேகமும் மறுபுறம் விவாதத்துக் குரியதாகவே இருக்கிறது. சுற்றுச்சூழல் பற்றி நிறைய ஆய்வுகள் செய்துவரும் பேராசிரியர்ரஹ்மானிடம் இதுபற்றிப் பேசினோம்...

‘‘இயற்கையாகக் கிடைக்கும் தண்ணீரை கவர்ச்சியான ஒரு பெயரை வைத்து பணம் சம்பாதிக்கும் மோசடிதான் நடந்துகொண்டிருக்கிறது’’ என்று தடாலடியாக ஆரம்பிக்கிறார். 

‘‘இந்தக் குற்றச்சாட்டை நான் மேலோட்ட மாக சொல்லவில்லை. பேக்கேஜுட் டிரிங்கிங் வாட்டர் எப்படி தயாராகிறது என்று தெரிந்தால் நான் சொல்வதன் அர்த்தம் புரிந்துவிடும். இந்த நிறுவனங்கள் லட்சக்கணக்கான லிட்டர் தண்ணீரை ஏதேனும் ஒரு நீர் ஆதாரத்திலிருந்து மொத்தமாக எடுக்கிறார்கள். 

இந்தத் தண்ணீரில் படிந்திருக்கும் நுண்துகள்கள், பாக்டீரியா, வைரஸ் போன்ற நுண்கிருமிகளை அகற்ற வேண்டும் என்பதற்காக, சில வேதிப்பொருட்களைக் கலந்து சுத்திகரிக்கிறார்கள். தண்ணீரின் அமிலத்தன்மை, காரத்தன்மையை நீக்க வேண்டும் என்பதற்காகவும் சுத்திகரிக்கிறார்கள். இந்தத் தண்ணீர் சுத்திகரிக்கப்பட்ட பிறகு, கண்ணாடி போல சுத்தமாகத் தெரியும். இப்போது மேலே சுத்தமாக இருக்கும் தண்ணீரை மட்டும் பாட்டில் / கேன் வாட்டர் தயாரிக்க எடுத்துக் கொள்கிறார்கள். 

சுத்திகரிப்பின் போது மாசுகள் அகற்றப்படுவது நல்ல விஷயமாக இருந்தாலும், தண்ணீரில் இயற்கையாகவே இருக்கும் சில உப்புச்சத்துகளும் சேர்ந்து இதனுடன் வடிகட்டப்பட்டுவிடுவதால் வெறும் தண்ணீராகவே நமக்குக் கிடைக்கிறது. இதனால், தண்ணீர் மூலம் நமக்குக் கிடைக்கும் கால்சியம், பொட்டாசி யம், மக்னீசியம் போன்ற தாது உப்புகள் கிடைக்காமலே போய்விடுகின்றன.

மூன்று புறமும் தண்ணீர் இருக்கிற இந்த பூமியில் தண்ணீர் பஞ்சம் இருப்பது எத்தனை வினோதமானதோ, அதேபோல மினரல் வாட்டர் என்ற பெயரில் விற்கப்படும் தண்ணீரில் மினரல்களே இல்லை என்பதும் ஒரு வினோதமான உண்மை. இருக்கிற தாதுச்சத்துகளையும் வடிகட்டி விட்டுக் கொடுப்பதற்கு பெயர் மினரல் வாட்டரா? 

பெரிய நிறுவனங்கள் சுத்திகரிக்கும் வாட்டரில் தாது உப்புகள் இல்லை என்றால், சரியாக சுத்திகரிக்கப்படாத தண்ணீரில் நச்சுத்தன்மை மிக்க கனிமங்கள், பாக்டீரியாக்கள், வைரஸ்கள் போன்றவை அதிகமாக இருக்கின்றன. இந்த சுகாதாரமற்ற தண்ணீரால் சரும நோய்கள், கால்சியம் சத்துப் பற்றாக்குறையால் எலும்புகள் பலவீன மாவது என்று பல சிக்கல்களும் கூடவே வருகின்றன.

இந்தியர்களுக்கு எப்போதுமே மேற்கத்திய விஷயங்கள் மீது ஈடுபாடு அதிகம். அவர்கள் என்ன செய்தாலும், அதை அப்படியே பின்பற்றுவதுதான் நம் பழக்கம். அதே வழியில்தான் வெளிநாட்டினர் தண்ணீரை சுத்திகரிக்கப் பயன்படுத்துகிற Reverse Osmosis என்கிற ‘எதிர்ச்சவ்வூடுப் பரவல்’ தொழில்நுட்பத்தையும் பயன்படுத்திக் கொண்டிருக்கிறோம். மேற்கத்திய நாடுகளின் சீதோஷ்ண நிலை வேறு, அவர்கள் அருந்தும் தண்ணீரின் அளவு வேறு, வெளியேறும் சிறுநீரின் அளவு வேறு, உடலமைப்பு வேறு போன்ற அடிப்படையான விஷயங்களை நாம் கவனிக்க மறந்துவிடுகிறோம். 

உண்மையில், தெருக்குழாய்களின் மூலமும் நகராட்சிகளின் மூலமும் அரசாங்கம் கொடுக்கும் குடிநீரே போதுமானதுதான். இந்தத் தண்ணீரை வடிகட்டிக் காய்ச்சிக் குடித்தால், அதைவிட பாதுகாப்பானது எதுவும் இல்லை. தண்ணீரில் இருக்கும் தாது உப்புகளும் நமக்கு முழுமையாகக் கிடைக்கும். ஆனால், இயற்கையாகக் கிடைக்கும் தண்ணீரையோ, குளோரின் மூலம் சுத்திகரித்து அரசாங்கம் கொடுக்கும் தண்ணீரை யோ நாம் நம்புவது இல்லை’’ என்கிறார் வருத்தத்துடன்! 

உண்மையில், தெருக்குழாய்களின் மூலமும் நகராட்சிகளின் மூலமும் அரசாங்கம் கொடுக்கும் குடிநீரே போதுமானதுதான். இந்தத் தண்ணீரை வடிகட்டிக் காய்ச்சிக் குடித்தால்,  அதைவிட பாதுகாப்பானது எதுவும் இல்லை!

மருத்துவர் அர்ச்சனாவிடம் மினரல் வாட்டரால் ஏற்படும் பாதிப்புகள் பற்றியும், அதற்கான மாற்று வழிமுறைகளையும் கேட்டோம்...‘‘இந்தியாவைப் பொறுத்த வரை போதுமான கழிவறை வசதிகள் இல்லாதது, சுற்றுப்புறச் சூழலில் இருக்கும் அலட்சியம் போன்ற சில காரணங்களால் தண்ணீர் மாசுபடுவதற்கான வாய்ப்புகள் அதிகமாக இருக்கின்றன. இந்த சூழலில்தான் சுத்தமான, சுகாதாரமான தண்ணீர் என்ற வாசகங்களுடன் வரும் மினரல் வாட்டர் நம்மைக் கவர்ந்துவிடுகிறது. 

உலக சுகாதார நிறுவனத்தின் பரிந்துரைப்படி, சாதாரணமாக நமக்குக் கிடைக்கும் தண்ணீரை 10 முதல் 15 நிமிடங்கள் வரை கொதிக்க வைத்துக் காய்ச்சிக் குடித்தாலே போதுமானது. தண்ணீரைக் கொதிக்க வைப்பதோடு அந்த தண்ணீரை சரியாக மூடி வைக்க வேண்டும், தண்ணீரைக் கையாள்பவர்களின் தனிநபர் சுத்தம், பயன்படுத்தும் டம்ளரின் சுத்தம் என்று மற்ற விஷயங்களிலும் அக்கறை செலுத்த வேண்டும். வாட்டர் ப்யூரிஃபையர் பயன்படுத்த விரும்பினால் அந்த நிறுவனத்தைப் பற்றி நன்கு தெரிந்துகொண்டு வாங்க வேண்டும். 6 மாதங்களுக்கு ஒருமுறை தவறாமல் ப்யூரிஃபையரை சுத்தம் செய்வதும் அவசியம்.

இன்றைய காலகட்டத்தில் மினரல் வாட்டரை தவிர்க்க முடியாது. அதனால், மினரல் வாட்டரால் நமக்குக் கிடைக்காமல் போகும் சத்துகளை சமன்படுத்த காய்கறிகள், பழங்கள், நல்ல சத்தான உணவுகள் எடுத்துக் கொள்ள வேண்டும். தண்ணீரால் மட்டுமே நமக்கு எல்லா சத்துகளும் கிடைத்துவிடுவதில்லை என்பதையும் உலக சுகாதார நிறுவனம் கூறியிருக்கிறது. சுகாதாரமற்ற மினரல் வாட்டரால் மட்டும் அல்ல, பொதுவாகவே சுகாதாரமற்ற தண்ணீரால் வயிற்றுப்போக்கு, காய்ச்சல், கல்லீரல் பாதிப்பு, ஹெபடைட்டிஸ் போன்ற நோய்கள் வருகின்றன என்பதால் தண்ணீர் விஷயத்தில் கவனமுடன் இருக்க வேண்டும்!’’

கேன் வாட்டரை தவிர்க்க முடியாதவர்களுக்கு நாலு விஷயங்கள்!

*கேன் வாட்டர் தயாரிப்பாளர்களில் அரசு அங்கீகாரம் பெற்றவர்களை விட, குடிசைத் தொழில் போல் அங்கீகாரம் இல்லாமல் தயாரித்து விற்பனை செய்து வருபவர்கள்தான் அதிகம். அதனால், நீங்கள் யாரிடம் தண்ணீர் வாங்கிக் கொண்டிருக்கிறீர்கள் என்பதை சரிபார்த்துக் கொள்ளுங்கள். 

*நுண்கிருமிகள் நீக்கப்பட்ட (Sterilize) கேன்களில்தான் தண்ணீர் நிரப்பி விற்க வேண்டும். பல இடங்களில் அழுக்கடைந்த கேன்களிலேயே தண்ணீர் நிரப்பி மீண்டும் வீட்டில் கொண்டு வந்து இறக்கிவிடுகிறார்கள். தண்ணீர் நிரப்பும் கேன் சுத்தமாக இருக்கிறதா என்பதை கவனியுங்கள். 

*சீல் உடைக்கப்பட்ட வாட்டர் பாட்டில், கேன் ஆகியவற்றை எவ்வளவு சீக்கிரம் பயன்படுத்துகிறோமோ அந்த அளவுக்கு நல்லது. அதிக நாட்கள் திறந்து வைத்திருக்கும் போது அந்தத் தண்ணீரில் நுண்கிருமிகள் தானாகவே வந்துவிடும் வாய்ப்பு உண்டு. 

*வெளியிடங்களுக்குச் செல்வதாக இருந்தால், முடிந்த வரை வீட்டிலிருந்தே தண்ணீர் எடுத்துச் சென்று பழகுங்கள்.

அவசியமா ஆர்.ஓ.?

ஆர்.ஓ. என்பதன் பொருள் ரிவர்ஸ் ஆஸ்மாசிஸ். ஆர்.ஓ. ட்ரீட்டட் செய்யப்பட்ட தண்ணீரில் உப்புச் சுவை இருக்காது. இந்த முறையில் தண்ணீரில் இருந்து உப்பு பிரிக்கப்பட்ட பிறகு கிடைக்கிற ரிஜக்டட் தண்ணீரையே நாம் உபயோகிக்கிறோம். தண்ணீரில் டிடிஎஸ் எனப்படுகிற டோட்டல் டிசால்வ்டு சாலிட்ஸ் அளவானது 2,100 மில்லிகிராம் - ஒரு லிட்டருக்கு இருக்க வேண்டும் என்பது மாசுகட்டுப்பாட்டு வாரியம் குறிப்பிடுகிற அளவு. சில தண்ணீரில் இது கூடவோ குறைவாகவோ இருக்கும். 

ஆர்.ஓ. ட்ரீட் செய்யப்பட்ட தண்ணீரிலோ உப்புச் சத்து அறவே இருக்காது. நம் உடலில் உள்ள உப்பானது வியர்வை மற்றும் சிறுநீரின் வழியே வெளியேறும். அதை ஈடுகட்ட சாதாரண தண்ணீரை குடிக்க வேண்டும். ஆர்.ஓ. ட்ரீட்டட் செய்யப்பட்ட தண்ணீரையே குடிப்பதால் இந்த உப்பு இழப்பு ஈடுகட்டப்படாது. உடலுக்கு தேவையான உப்புச் சத்து இல்லாவிட்டால் களைப்பாக உணர்வோம். சாதாரண தண்ணீரில் ஓரளவு கால்சியம் சத்தும் இருக்கிறது. 

ஆர்.ஓ ட்ரீட்டட் தண்ணீரில் இந்த கால்சியமும் நீக்கப்படும். வயதானவர்களும் பெண்களும் தொடர்ந்து ஆர்.ஓ. ட்ரீட்டட் தண்ணீரை குடிப்பதால் கால்சியம் பற்றாக்குறைக்கு ஆளாகிறார்கள். அவர்களது எலும்பு ஸ்பாஞ்ச் போல மிருதுவாகும். லேசாக அடிபட்டால் கூட எலும்புகள் நொறுங்கிப் போகலாம். 

ஒருசில மினரல் வாட்டரை பருகும் போது லேசான இனிப்புச் சுவையுடன் இளநீர் போல இருப்பதை உணரலாம். அவர்கள் அதில் சேர்க்கிற ஒருவிதமான கெமிக்கலே அதற்கு காரணம். கொதிக்க வைத்து வடி கட்டிய தண்ணீரே ஆரோக்கியமானது. ஆர்.ஓ. ட்ரீட்டட் தண்ணீர் அனாவசியமானது.

வெளி மாவட்டங்களில் இருந்து விற்பனைக்கு வரும் கறிக்கோழிகள் அதிகாரிகள் கூட்டாய்வு

பெரம்பலூர், டிச,9:

பல்வேறு நாடுகளில் பறவை இனங்களில் கடுமையான தாக் கத்தை ஏற்படுத்தி வரும் பறவை காய்ச்சல் நோய் தற் போது கேரள மாநிலத்தில் வாத்துகளில் உள்ளதாக கண்டறியப்பட்டுள்ளது. வைரஸ் கிருமிகளால் உண்டாகும் இந்நோய் பறவைகள் மற்றும் கோழி இனங்களில் கடுமையான பாதிப்பையும் இறப்பினையும் ஏற்படுத்தக் கூடி யது. மேலும் இந்நோய் பறவை மற்றும் கோழிகளிலிருந்து மனிதர்களுக்கும் பரவி ஆபத்தினை ஏற்படுத்தக் கூடியதாகும்.

தற்போது இந்நோய் தமிழகத்தில் இல்லை என்றாலும் அண்டை மாநிலமான கேரளாவில் இந்நோயின் தாக்கம் ஏற்பட்டுள்ளதால் பெரம்பலூர் மாவட்டத்தில் கலெக்டர் தரேஸ்அஹமது உத்தரவின்பேரில், பறவைக்காய்ச்சல் நோய்குறித்து 4 வட்டாரங்களிலும் தலா 8 பேர் என மொத்தம் 32 பேர்களைக் கொண்ட தீவிர கண்காணிப்புக்குழு ஏற்படுத்தப்பட்டு நோய்கண்காணிப்பு தொடர்பான நடவடிக்கைகள் மேற்கொள்ளப் பட்டு வருகிறது. இதன்படி, பெரம்பலூர் மாவட்ட உணவுப் பாதுகாப்பு நியமன அலுவலர் புஷ்பராஜ், கால் நடை பராமரிப்புத்துறை மண்டல இணை இயக்குநர் சந்திரசேகரன், தமிழக அரசின் விரிவான மருத்துவக் காப்பீட்டுத்திட்ட மாவட்ட ஒருங்கிணைப் பாளர் டாக்டர் அரவிந்தன், கால்நடைத்துறை சிறப்பறிஞர் மோகன் ஆகியோர் ரோவர் வளைவுப் பகுதியில், நாமக்கல்லில் இருந்து நேரடியாக கறிக்கோழி கொள்முதல் செய்திடும் மொத்த விற்பனையாள ரான ஒருவரது கடையில் கூட்டாய்வு மேற்கொண்டனர்.

அப்போது உணவுப் பாதுகாப்பு நியமன அலுவலர் புஷ்பராஜ் தெரிவித்ததாவது : தமிழகத்தில் பறவைக்காய்ச்சல் பாதிப்பு இன்றும் கண்டறியப்படவில்லை. இதனால் யாரும் அச்சம் கொள்ளத் தேவை யில்லை. பொதுமக்கள் கறிக் கோழிகளையும் வேக வைத்து சாப்பிட்டால் எந்தப் பாதிப்பும் வராது.

பெரம்பலூர் மாவட்டம், மலையாளப்பட்டி பகுதியில் உள்ள முட்டை உற்பத்தி செய்யும் 8 கோழிப்பண்ணைகள் தொடர் கண்காணிப்பில் உள்ளது. இதர 140 கறிக்கோழி கடைகளும் கால்நடை மருத்துவர்களால் தொடர் சோதனையில் உள்ளது. எங்காவது 50க்கும் மேற்பட்ட கோழிகள் மொத்தமாக இறப்பது தெரிய வந்தால், அந்தக் கோழிகளின் ரத்த மாதிரிகள் சேகரிக்கப்பட்டு போபாலிலுள்ள ஆய்வகத்திற்கு அனுப்பி வைக்கப்படும்.

அந்த ஆய்வில் பறவைக் காய்ச்சலுக்கான அறிகுறியாக பாசிட்டிவ் ரிசல்ட் இருந்தால், அங்கிருந்து கலெக்டருக்கு நேரடியாக தகவல் அனுப்பப்பட்டு, பாதிக்கப்பட்ட கோழிகள் கலெக்டர் உத்தரவுப்படி மொத்தமாக அழிக்க நடவடிக்கை எடுக்கப்படும் எனத் தெரிவித்தார்.

Kozhikode farmers to grow organic veggies to counter pesticide effects

Amidst discussions about the harmful effects of pesticides (whose residues were found in the vegetables brought to Kerala from neighbouring states), a group of farmers in Kozhikode and the district administration have found a way to counter the challenge - cultivating organic vegetables in urban areas.

While Kerala Agricultural University conducted the study, the state food and drug administration conducted tests, which revealed the presence of pesticides in the vegetables. There was a political row and campaign in favour of cultivating chemical-free vegetables. 

To encourage the same, Green View, a farmers’ organisation in the aforementioned district, initiated a project named Haritholsavam (which means ‘green festival’). The district administration, the city corporation and collector C A Latha are involved in its implementation.

The district administration allowed farmers to use the unused government lands and property to cultivate the vegetables, which would be available for domestic and commercial use. A green cart was flagged off recently. It would be supplying vegetable saplings in the city limits.

The institutions would provide agricultural knowledge and training in different parts of the city. The project would also impart training in the right usage of pesticides, and provide information about the types of soil and methods to be adopted in roof-top cultivations.

An official of the district administration said, “The collector and the district administration were encouraged by the enthusiasm of farmers and fellow citizens. The unused spaces under the administration would be given to farmers a few days after they request.” 

“There is a constant threat of residues in vegetables from neighbouring states. Increased domestic production and organic vegetables are the steps that would be taken to overcome the challenge. The administration is committed to checks of the quality of products entering its limits,” he added.

M P Rajul Kumar, president, Green View, said, “Kozhikode is a rapidly-growing city, and the area available for cultivation is limited. Heavy business opportunities have brought in pesticide- and chemical-laden vegetables from neighbouring states. Sadly, we cannot stop the flow, lest it affect Kerala’s food security and create social imbalances.” 

“To counter this challenge, we need strong quality checks along the borders as well as in the markets. But the constant supply of organic vegetables is the only solution for this issue in the long run. We need to develop the culture of domestic cultivation of organic vegetables in large quantities,” he added. 

“It is very hard to create agricultural knowledge among the urban people due to the lack of awareness. Green View would encourage the cultivation mentality in urban areas, which may take some time. The city corporation and the district administration have given it their full support and encouragement to the initiatives of farmers,” Kumar stated.

Food poisoning scare grips Guwahati after KFC report

GUWAHATI, December 7: The report of food poisoning in a KFC restaurant in Delhi has stirred up the hornets’ nest in Guwahati with people questioning the safety of food being served by the numerous restaurants, including roadside ones, in the city.

The question arose after food inspectors collecting food samples from the KFC Restaurant at Lachit Nagar in the city yesterday. The food inspectors reportedly said that if any poisoning substances are detected in the samples collected, they might take steps to close the restaurant.

Food poisoning, according to experts, is acute, often severe gastro–intestinal disorder characterized by vomiting and diarrhoea and caused by eating food contaminated with bacteria, especially bacteria of the genus Salmonella, or the toxins they produce or poisoning caused by ingesting substances, such as certain mushrooms, that contain natural toxins.

The situation in Guwahati, according to allegations, is alarming. First, the exact number of restaurants in Guwahati is not known. What is, however, seen is that there is mushroom growth of restaurants in the city and the situation of most of them, from the hygienic point of view, is pathetic. 

Allegations galore that tomato sauce is manufactured in far–flung areas in the city, and generally stale materials like rotten yellow pumpkin, tomato and pepper etc., are used for the purpose. What, according to sources, even more serious is that such sauce is collected randomly by the restaurant owners in recycled bottles that are collected from the city by ragpickers. There are also allegations that the restaurant owners keep paying money to food inspectors regularly to keep their business running. If this is the situation food outside is not safe in Guwahati.

A KFC spokesperson, in a press release issued yesterday, said: “As a responsible brand, KFC is committed to following international standards and serving the highest quality products to all our customers across all our restaurants. The products served across our restaurants are sourced from best in class, state–of–the–art manufacturing facilities that are compliant with rigorous food safety standards and are audited regularly.”

“The recent news report on KFC rice being unsafe is a case of misinformation. We only use the natural colour (beta carotene) which is sourced from highly reputed international suppliers, in our Rizo rice meals,” the release said, and added: “The recent rice sample collected by FSSAI has also been analysed from an NABL accredited independent laboratory at the same time and it confirms that Tartrazine or any other synthetic colour is not present in the product. We are confident of our product quality and are working closely with the regulatory authorities in this matter who have assured that the sample is safe for consumption and no proceedings have been initiated against KFC.”

Antibiotic-resistant bacterium found in waterbodies, fish

Bacterium resistant to antibiotics was found in fish samples and aquatic environments of Kochi.

Research carried out by the Microbiology Fermentation and Biotechnology Division of Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT), Kochi, reported the presence of Methicillin-Resistant-Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in fish and aquatic environments of Kochi. The bacterium might have reached the waterbodies through untreated hospital waste. The contaminated materials from hospitals, including untreated cotton and waste water, persons carrying the MRSA in their wounds, abscesses and sputum might have contributed to the spread of the bacterium, said K.V. Lalitha, Head of the Department.

Run-off from land, including hospital refuse, may be reaching the aqua farms and discharges from hospitals in coastal water bodies. Presence of pathogens would be less in deep seas, she said.

Pathogens were found in farmed fish and fish samples from the market. The presence of the pathogens was also found in mud, and water samples collected from the coastal waters. The study team consisting of Dr. Lalitha, V. Murugadas and Toms.C. Joseph had screened around 150 samples of fish, shellfish and water samples collected from different fish markets in Ernakulam district. The CIFT studies revealed that MRSA isolate from fish belonged to the Bay of Bengal clone, which was reported in many parts of India in hospital-associated cases. These pathogens are capable of infecting human beings. Mostly, the MRSA was resistant to many antibiotics commonly used for treatment, said a communication from the institute. C.N. Ravishankar, director of the institute, said the public needed to be aware of the situation. Fish handlers with open wounds, abrasions and abscess should take hygienic measures while handling fish, he said.

It would be difficult to control or contain infections in persons infected with MRSA and doctors are left with only few choices of antibiotics. Fishers and those working in the sector are mostly exposed to the risk as they could be infected through open wounds, Ms. Lalitha said.

Pathogens found in fish would be destroyed while cooking and may not pose risk to those consuming it. However, more studies need to be held, she said.

Bacterium might have reached the waterbodies through untreated hospital waste

Pathogens found in fish will be destroyed while cooking

Health ministry to spend Rs 1,750 cr on FSSAI, state regulatory system

The health and family welfare ministry recently issued a notice inviting suggestions on two schemes under the Food Safety Standards Regulations (FSSR), 2011, to strengthen food safety regulatory system of the country. They are the Central scheme for strengthening of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), for which Rs 850 crore was set, and the Central scheme for the strengthening of state regulatory system, for which the outlay was Rs 900 crore. 

The ministry stated that it was being done to ensure the effective enforcement of the FSSR. Further, the enforcement structure (both manpower and equipment) at the Centre and in the states and Union Territories (UT), need to be strengthened and upgraded. 

“The Central scheme for the strengthening of FSSAI with allocation of Rs 850 crore, and the scheme for the strengthening of the state food regulatory system, with an estimated cost of Rs 900 crore (excluding the states’ share), under the Centrally-sponsored scheme of the National Health Mission (NHM) of the health and family welfare ministry are proposed to be implemented during the residual period of the Twelfth Five-Year Plan,” said the ministry.

But sources added that it was partly because of the various litigations which were filed with the various courts over the years with respect to adulteration in food items and other regulatory issues, and partly because there wasn’t much information amongst the masses about the food safety and regulatory system in the country. Moreover, people’s participation has been poor.

With the Rs 850-crore scheme, the ministry aims to strengthen the FSSAI at the headquarters and in its regional or field offices, e-governance and food safety surveillance. It also plans to strengthen the central-level laboratories and establish the National Food Science and Risk Assessment Centre (NFSRAC). 

Under the Central scheme for states, the ministry wants to strengthen the food safety infrastructure at the state level, like the state laboratories, besides creating awareness, imparting training, capacity building and educational programmes under both the schemes.

FSSAI would be the implementing agency for these schemes, while funds to the states would be released after a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is signed between the respective state government and FSSAI regarding the objectives, the timelines for completion of the activities, etc.

“The schemes also aim at strengthening the food testing laboratories, building manpower capacity of the states, organising training camps, creating awareness for the public and food business operators (FBO) and setting up a robust surveillance system, considered essential to effectively meet the aims of reducing food adulteration, and making available wholesome food to the consumers,” the ministry said.

உணவு பாதுகாப்பு அலுவலர்கள் ஆய்வு

பண்ருட்டி, டிச. 8:

அண்ணாகிராமம் உணவு பாதுகாப்பு அலுவலர் கந்தசாமி, கடலூர் ரவிச்சந்திரன், புவனகிரி குணசேகரன், சுகாதார ஆய்வாளர் ரமேஷ் ஆகியோர் கொண்ட குழுவினர் சாத்திப்பட்டில் உள்ள தேனீர் கடைகள், ஓட்டல்கள், ரைஸ் மில்கள், முந்திரி பருப்பு பதப்படுத்தும் தொழிற் கூடங்கள் ஆகிய இடங்களில் ஆய்வு செய்தனர். இதில் மளிகை கடைகளில் இருந்த காலாவதியான குளிர்பானங்கள், பாக்கெட்டுகள் பறிமுதல் செய்யப்பட்டு அழிக்கப்பட்டன.

மேலும் தமிழக அரசால் தடை செய்யப்பட்ட புகையிலை, உணவு பொருட்கள் விற்பனை செய்யக்கூடாது என்ற நோட்டீஸ் வழங்கப்பட்டன. மளிகை கடை ஒன்றில் உப்பு மாதிரி எடுத்து ஆய்வு கூடத்திற்கு அனுப்பப்பட்டது.

Rs 80,000 fine slapped

Indore : The court of Additional District Magistrate Dilip Kumar slapped a fine of Rs 80,000 on to two firms after proving the samples fake.

Orders to this effect were issued on December 6 by the court after the completion of hearing of the both the cases.

The penalised firms – M/s Mahendra Kumar Biharilal Jain, 43 Subhas Marg and M/S Harsh Foods at 14 Marothia Bazar – are prominent sellers of dry fruits. As per the case, food safety officer had taken the samples of buttermilk spices from the shop on 19 May this year. The spices were selling with fictitious brand names and the samples were failed in lab testing. Following the positive report of the lab, ADM Kumar imposed the fine on the firm.

Similarly, food safety officer Jitendra Singh Rana had taken the samples of fake Chirag brand refined soya oil pack from M/S Ramdas Vedprakash, 38 Udyog Nagar, Musakhedi on July 13, 2013.The samples were also foud positive in the state food testing lab, Bhopal. Accepting the report of the lab, the ADM imposed fine of Rs 30,000 on the firm. The fines are imposed under the Section 62 of the food safety and standard Act 2006.

Food samples taken from city KFC outlets

Guwahati: Prompted by reports of food adulteration of samples collected from one outlet of Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) in Delhi, food inspectors of the state inspected two KFC outlets in the city and collected food samples for examination.

Food inspectors in Guwahati collected samples of 'chicken hot spices', spices and frequently used culinary powders.

"The response of those working at the two outlets was quite good and they were cooperative. The inspection involved closed scrutiny of the premises of both the two outlets. If the samples are found to be unsafe and substandard, then they will be punished according to the Food Safety and Standard Act," said Samiran Baruah, food safety officer, Kamrup (metro) district.

The samples will be sent to the laboratory of the food safety department and a proper analysis will take place over 14 days.

The city has three KFC outlets with another one coming up in the Paltan Bazaar area. It is quite popular among the citizens and is frequented by youngsters.

There is lack of awareness about proper hygienic practices, knowledge on food safety and a thriving demand for low-cost fast food condiments among the people, especially youngsters, who are facing severe health hazards.

Jaundice, gastroenteritis, diarrhoea, dysentery and others are common here. Strict enforcement of the norms is required.

"Assam, as compared to other states in the country doesn't fare well in implementing food safety norms," said a source.

KFC, Sagar Ratna rice: HC confirms popular eateries are serving UNSAFE food!

If you love dining in KFC or Sagar Ratna, this news is for you! The Delhi high court has been informed by the city government’s food safety department that samples of rice dishes collected by it from two popular eateries here have been found to be unsafe.

In an affidavit filed by the department, it said the presence of artificial colour rendered the dishes “unsafe” for human consumption. Samples taken from KFC’s restaurant at Scindia House in Connaught Place of its “Rizo Rice” showed it to be unsafe due to the presence of artificial colour, the affidavit said.Rice samples collected for testing from Sagar Ratna restaurant in Guru Teg Bahadur Nagar also were found to be unsafe. The response of the government came on a petition seeking ban on the sale of fruits, vegetables and food items with artificial colours and pesticides.

The affidavit said legal action has been initiated against the offenders.

It also said samples of ghee collected from various eateries were found to be of “sub-standard” quality and were “misbranded” to mislead the public.

Samples of fruit and vegetable chutney picked up from the Bikanerwala restaurant at the ITL Tower in Netaji Subhash Place also showed addition of artificial colours. After the high court’s direction, the department has been regularly inspecting fruits and vegetables in markets here to detect colours and pesticide residue in them.

A total of 1,420 samples of various edible items were taken since the court issued the direction March 5. Five of them showed the presence of pesticide residue above the prescribed tolerance limit. The court had acted suo motu on a report by NGO Consumer Voice, which in 2010 found that 35 varieties of vegetables and fruits, picked from Delhi markets and tested for pesticide content, had toxins beyond permissible limits.

‘Check and Chew Foreign Chocolates’

CHENNAI: The country’s Food Safety and Standards Authority (FSSAI) has been facing roadblocks in regulating imported goods, especially chocolates, even as the regulatory body has brought within its ambit about 30 lakh food business operators.

Speaking at a two-day national seminar on Consumer Product Safety, organised by CONCERT and sponsored by the US Consulate here, FSSAI chairman K Chandramouli said during the Deepavali season, a large chunk of chocolates shipped to India violated domestic regulations of ‘zero vegetable fat’.

While the companies adhered to the US and the European food safety standards, they failed to satisfy Indian standards, he said.

“On testing one of the brands, we found that it contained 70 per cent of vegetable oil,” Chandramouli said, adding that the FSSAI drew flak for its action while cracking down on imported chocolates. He said some of the imported goods used Chinese or Arabic labelling, making it difficult for Indian consumers to ascertain their manufacturing and expiry dates. However, the situation had improved with FSSAI’s intervention, he said.

Speaking of another hurdle in the registration of food business operators, Chandramouli said, “This is applicable from a small-time sundal vendor to big corporate food manufacturers. It’s a tough task and for the last three years, we have had only 30,000 registered operators.”

Schemes for strenthening of (i) the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and (ii) the State Food Regulatory System

FSSAI Has Brought 30 Lakh Food Business Operators Into Its Ambit

CHENNAI: India’s Food Safety and Standard’s Authority (FSSAI) has been facing roadblocks in regulating imported goods, especially imported chocolates, even as the food safety regulator has brought in its ambit 30 lakh food business operators.

Speaking during the two-day national seminar on Consumer Product Safety organized by CONCERT and sponsored by US Consulate in Chennai, K Chandramouli, chairman of FSSAI, said that during Deepavali a majority of imported chocolates shipped into India violated the domestic regulations of zero vegetable fat.

He said while these companies adhere to the US and European food safety standard, they failed to adhere to Indian standards of zero vegetable fat. “While testing one of the brands we found that it has 70 per cent of vegetable oil,” said Chandramouli.

Interestingly, after FSSAI tried to crackdown on the imported chocolates it drew flak for its action. Chandramouli now has left the issue with the consumers.

He also highlighted how the imported goods were using Chinese or Arabic labelling making it hard for Indian consumers to know about the manufacturing as well as expiry date of these goods. “Now things has improved after FSSAI intervention,” he said.

Interestingly, another big headache for FSSAI is to register the food business operators. “They can be from a usual sundal seller to big corporate food manufactuer. This is a really tough task. For the last three years we had only 30,000 registered food operators. But since we left it out to the state government who has to enforce the act, we now have 30 lakh food business operators. But we can’t quantify the exact numbers,” says Chandramouli.

FDA officials seize gutka worth Rs 72k in two-day drive

KOLHAPUR: Food and drug administration officials have in two days raided seven paan shops in the city and seized gutka (scented tobacco) worth Rs 72,565 from them.

The officials also lodged complaints at the Shahupuri police station on Tuesday against two of the shop owners from whom the gutka was seized and at Juna Rajwada police station on Wednesday against the remaining five.

The sale or hoarding of gutka is banned in Maharashtra and the FDA officials have stated that they will continue taking action against shops in the district that violate the law.

Assistant commissioner (food) of the FDA, Kolhapur, S N Deshpande said, "The two-day drive was part of our routine surprise check at paan shops in the city. The raids were conducted following information from sources. We have taken action against the paan seven shop owners under section 59 of Food Safety and Standards Act"

He added, "Now word has spread among the paan shop owners and they have become alert. So we have stopped our drive for some time. We will renew it after a few days and organize surprise raids at several places in the district at a time. We suspect that the gutka enters Kolhapur from Karnataka state and is sold on the sly. The shop owners sell the gutka only to a select customers they know. All these shop owners will be nabbed soon," he said.

Under Section 59 of the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006, those selling gutka can face a year's imprisonment and a fine of up to Rs 3 lakh.

Now word has spread among the paan shop owners and they have become alert. So we have stopped our drive for some time. We will renew it after a few days and organize surprise raids at several places in the district at a time. We suspect that the gutka enters Kolhapur from Karnataka state and is sold on the sly. The shop owners sell the gutka only to a select customers they know.

Priority for parking, sanitation during Vaikunta Ekadasi festival

Collector Jayashree Muralidharan speaking at the review meeting on the arrangements to be made for Vaikunta Ekadasi festival at Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam on Thursday. 

Planning of parking facility for vehicles coming from other districts to Tiruchi, special medical camps, parking of ambulance, and 108 service vehicle, construction of temporary toilets and urinals will be some of the arrangements to be made for the forthcoming Vaikunta Ekadasi festival at Srirangam Sri Ranganathaswamy temple.

A department-wise discussion was taken up at a preliminary meeting convened by the district administration at the temple to chalk out plan for the festival here on Thursday.

Presiding over the meeting, Jayashree Muralidharan, District Collector, said the festival would commence on December 21 with the recital of ‘Tirunedunthandagam’ and conclude on January 11, 2015. As the main festival of ‘Vaikunta Ekadasi’ falls on New Year’s Day, the district administration has planned to take up additional arrangements. She said that round-the-clock power supply would be ensured for three days (December 31, January 1 and 2) when a large congregation of devotees would gather at the temple. This was a preliminary meeting and the second meeting would be held close to the festival. A. Jaya, Mayor, said that water tanks would be set up at 51 places. Temporary toilets would also be set up at select places around the temple. V.P.Thandapani, Corporation Commissioner, said that steps would be taken to clear pavement vendors, especially near the entrance to the ‘Rajagopuram’. Shailesh Kumar Yadav, City Police Commissioner, said that a periodical assessment of vehicles from all over the State entering the city would be conducted – first meeting 10 days ahead of the festival and second meeting two days ahead of the festival. Both the Corporation Commissioner and Police Commissioner said special arrangements would be made for parking the vehicles. Mr.Yadav said the vehicles from outside the districts would be parked at these grounds.

K.Chandra, Joint Director of Health, said that four medical teams would be stationed at the temple all through the festival. Each team would comprise a doctor, staff nurses and paramedical personnel. To meet any emergency, ambulances and ‘108’ van would also be parked in the vicinity of the temple for immediate transit to the nearest hospital. A. Ramakrishnan, Designated Officer for Food Safety, said that free food packets should be distributed only after proper scrutiny by the food safety personnel. A special team of 22 officials from different parts of the state would supervise the hygienic quality of food packets. Those interested in making arrangements for free distribution of foods could contact him by dialling 98430 – 80106.

P. Jayaraman, Joint Commissioner and Executive Officer of the temple, said that an information centre would be set up at the temple. Hassle-free darshan would be ensured for devotees.

Controversy Over 'Unsafe' Food Samples from KFC, Sagar Ratna in Delhi

The Delhi High Court has been informed by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) that rice and other food samples collected from three popular eateries in the Capital have been found to be unsafe. 

The affidavit filed by the department states that the presence of artificial colour makes these dishes 'unfit' for human consumption.The samples of 'Rizo Rice' taken from KFC at Scindia House in Connaught Place showed that it contained artificial colour. Rice samples collected for testing from Sagar Ratna restaurant in Guru Teg Bahadur Nagar were also found to be unsafe.

It was also found that the samples of ghee (clarified butter) collected from various eateries were of 'sub-standard' quality and were 'misbranded' to mislead the public. Moreover, samples of fruit and vegetable chutney from the Bikanerwala restaurant at ITL Tower in Netaji Subhash Place was also contaminated with artificial colours. (5 Most Shocking Ingredients in Your Food)

Sagar Ratna responded by saying that the department inspected raw uncooked rice instead of what they actually use. "Sagar Ratna has had a lineage of providing great quality food, good service in a clean ambience to a large customer base, several who have been our loyal customers for years. We are aware of this visit by FSSAI officials to our outlet which was conducted in February 2013. We have been very cooperative throughout the entire inspection. The sample that was picked up by FSSAI was primarily the raw uncooked rice, we source this rice from various known brands of rice producers. The raw uncooked rice is firstly thoroughly washed and cleaned, boiled properly and then only it is cooked according to different recipes and served to customers. This is a standard and stringent procedure adopted at all our outlets. The matter is currently subjudice," says Mr. Murali Krishna Parna, CEO, Sagar Ratna.

KFC denied these allegations and the authorities have confirmed that their rice product is safe for consumption. "The recent news reports on KFC rice being unsafe is a case of misinformation. We only use the natural colour (beta carotene) which is sourced from highly reputed international suppliers, in our Rizo rice meals. The recent rice sample collected by FSSAI has also been analyzed from an NABL accredited independent lab at the same time and it confirms that Tartrazine or any other synthetic colour is not present in the product. We are confident of our product quality and are working closely with the regulatory authorities in this matter who have assured that the sample is safe for consumption and no proceedings have been initiated against KFC," they stated.

Sometime back, a Food consultant revealed shocking secrets about the fast food industry that allegedly uses inferior ingredients which raised questions about quality control and food safety. (Shocking Secrets About the Junk Food Industry)

On April 30th 2014, a plea was filed in the Delhi High Court seeking an immediate ban on the sale of fruits and vegetables that contain artificial colours and harmful pesticides. The PIL filed by advocate Sugriv Dubey alleged that fruits and vegetables sold in Delhi are "coated with carbohydrate and other cancerous chemicals to increase their life span." (Simple Tricks to Remove Pesticides From Fruits and Vegetables)

On the High Court's direction, the department has been regularly inspecting food items in the Capital to detect artificial colours and pesticide residue in them. Recently, the Kerala government decided to take strict measures against food adulteration after receiving several complaints about pesticide-laden vegetables and fruits being sold in the markets.

No artificial colours in our dishes, says KFC

New Delhi, Dec 5 (IANS) Fast food restaurant chain KFC Friday denied that it uses artificial colours in its rice dishes.

"We only use natural colour (beta carotene) sourced from highly reputed international suppliers in our Rizo Rice meals," KFC said in a statement.

"The recent rice sample collected by FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) has also been analysed at an NABL-accredited independent lab at the same time and it confirms that tartrazine or any other synthetic colour is not present in the product," KFC said.

"We are confident of our product quality and are working closely with the regulatory authorities in this matter who have assured that the sample is safe for consumption and no proceedings have been initiated against KFC," it said.

The denial came after the Delhi High Court was informed by the city government's food safety department that samples of rice dishes collected by it from two popular eateries, including KFC, here have been found to be unsafe.

In an affidavit filed before the court, the department said the presence of artificial colour rendered the dishes "unsafe" for human consumption.

Samples taken from KFC's restaurant at Scindia House in Connaught Place of its "Rizo Rice" showed it to be unsafe due to the presence of artificial colour, the affidavit said.

Rice samples collected for testing from Sagar Ratna restaurant in Guru Teg Bahadur Nagar also were found to be unsafe.

DINAMALAR NEWS

பரமத்திவேலூர் அருகே கலப்பட வெல்லம் தயாரித்த 2 ஆலைகளுக்கு சீல் சர்க்கரை, வெல்லம் பறிமுதல்

பரமத்திவேலூர், டிச.5:

பரமத்திவேலூர் அருகே கலப்பட வெல்லம் தயாரித்த 2 ஆலைகளுக்கு உணவு பாதுகாப்பு அதிகாரிகள் சீல் வைத்தனர்.

நாமக்கல் மாவட்டம் பரமத்திவேலூர் அடுத்த பிலிக்கல்பாளையத்தில் வாரத்தில் இருமுறை வெல்லச்சந்தை கூடும். இங்கு சுற்றுவட்டார கரும்பு விவசாயிகள், வெல்லத்தை கொண்ட வந்து ஏலம் விடுவது வழக்கம். இந்நிலையில் வெல்லம் தயாரிக்கும் போது, அதில் சாக்கரை, ரசாயனம் கலக்க கூடாது எனவும், மீறினால் கடும் நடவடிக்கை பாயும் எனவும் உணவு பாதுகாப்பு மாவட்ட நியமன அதிகாரி தமிழ்ச்செல்வன் எச்சரிக்கை விடுத்திருந்தார். இது குறித்து, விவசாயிகள் பங்கேற்ற ஆலோசனை கூட்டமும் கடந்த மாதம் நடத்தப் பட்டது.

இந்நிலையில் பிலிக்கல்பாளையம் அடுத்த சின்னாகவுண்டம்பாளையத்தில் உள்ள ஆலை ஒன்றில், உணவு பாதுகாப்பு மாவட்ட நியமன அதிகாரி தமிழ்ச் செல்வன், உணவு பாதுகாப்பு அதிகாரிகள் சிவநேசன், இளங்கோ, சிவசண்முகம் மற்றும் குழுவினர் நேற்று திடீர் சோதனை நடத்தினர்.

இதில், 25 மூட்டை, சர்க்கரை, ரசாயனம் கலந்து வெல்லம் தயாரித்திருப்பது கண்டுபிடிக்கப்பட்டது. இதையடுத்து, 25 மூட்டை வெல்லம், 12 மூட்டை அஸ்கா சர்க்கரை, தராசு உள்ளிட்டவற்றை அதிகாரிகள் குழுவினர் கைப்பற்றினர். மேலும், அந்த ஆலைக்கு சீல் வைக்கப்பட்டது.

மேலும், அதே பகுதியில் உள்ள மற்றொரு கரும்பாலையில் நடந்த சோதனையில் சர்க்கரை, ரசாயனம் கலந்து வெல்லம் தயாரித்திருப்பது கண்டுபிடிக்கப்பட்டது.

இதில் 45 கிலோ கலப்பட வெல்லத்தை பறிமுதல் செய்தனர். மேலும், ஆலைக்கு சீல் வைக்கப்பட்டது. விதிகளை மீறி கலப்பட முறையில் வெல்லம் தயாரித்த இரண்டு கரும்பா லைகள் குறித்தும் முழு விசாரணை நடத்தப்படும் என்று அதிகாரிகள் தெரிவித்துள்ளனர்.

KFC, Sagar Ratna rice unsafe, HC told

Two popular restaurant chains, KFC and Sagar Ratna, are serving rice dishes that have been found to be “unsafe” due to the presence of harmful artificial colouring, the Delhi government’s food safety department has said in a report submitted to the high court.

The “unsafe” dishes mentioned are fast-food giant KFC’s Rizo Rice served at its restaurant at Scindia House in Connaught Place, and some rice recipes from South Indian favourite Sagar Ratna’s outlet in Guru Teg Bahadur Nagar. Both chains operate scores of restaurants across the Capital.

Random samples were taken from the two restaurants and tested between January 2013 and October 2014. “Legal action has been initiated against them by the department,” the report said.

The report also said action has been initiated against a third restaurant, Bikanerwala, after “one sample of fruit and vegetable chutney was found to be sub-standard”.

Both KFC and Sagar Ratna denied the allegations.

“We only use natural colour (beta carotene) sourced from highly reputed international suppliers in our Rizo Rice meals. The recent rice sample collected by FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) has also been analysed at an NABL-accredited independent lab at the same time and it confirms that tartrazine or any other synthetic colour is not present in the product. We are confident of our product quality and are working closely with the regulatory authorities,” said a KFC statement released to HT.

Similarly, Sagar Ratna CEO Murali Krishna Parna said, “Sagar Ratna has had a lineage of providing great quality food and good service in a clean ambience to a large customer base, several of whom have been our loyal customers for years. We are aware of this visit to our outlet by FSSAI officials in February 2013. We have been very cooperative throughout the entire inspection. The sample picked up by FSSAI was primarily the raw uncooked rice. We source this rice from various known brands of rice producers. The raw uncooked rice is first washed and cleaned thoroughly, boiled properly and then only is it cooked according to different recipes and served to customers. This is a standard and stringent procedure adopted at all our outlets. The matter is currently sub-judice.” Attempts to elicit a response from Bikanervala went unanswered.

In March, the high court had observed that some fruits and vegetables sold in the Capital were “unfit for human consumption”, basing its remark on an expert committee report that said 5.3% of vegetables and 0.5% of fruits had pesticide traces above the maximum residue limit. The report claimed pesticides such as chlordane, endrin, heptachlor, ethyl and parathion — that can cause neurological problems, kidney damage, cancer and other diseases — were being liberally used in growing a number of vegetables.

As part of its safety drive, the Delhi government department also tested 648 samples of fruits and vegetables sold in the city’s markets. Two fruit samples (mosambi or sweet lime and pear) and one vegetable sample (beans) showed residues of a pesticide, fenthion, that were above the permissible limit prescribed in the FSS (Contaminants, Toxin and Residue) Regulation, 2011, the report said. It went on to say that a number of ghee samples collected and tested over the past two years from various outlets “were of sub-standard quality and ‘misbranded’ to mislead the public”. Of the tomato ketchup samples examined, one sample of vegetable sauce was “unsafe” and another “misbranded”.

HT had reported Monday that reports of alarming levels of pesticide residue in farm produce has prompted the Centre to work on a “grow safe food campaign” that could entail policy initiatives on pesticide use.

Dish samples of two restaurants found unsafe

The presence of artificial colour in ‘Rizo rice’ from KFC and another rice dish from Sagar Ratna restaurant rendered them unfit for human consumption

Samples of rice dishes collected by the Delhi Government’s Department of Food Safety from two popular eateries in the Capital have been found to be unsafe. The presence of artificial colour rendered the dishes unfit for human consumption, according to the department.

An affidavit filed on behalf of the department in the Delhi High Court on Wednesday said a sample of ‘Rizo rice’ from KFC restaurant at Scindia House in Connaught Place was collected for testing and another rice dish from Sagar Ratna restaurant in Guru Teg Bahadur Nagar.

The affidavit, filed in response to a public interest writ petition seeking ban on the sale of fruits, vegetables and food items with artificial colours, said action had been initiated against the offenders.

Among the samples of ghee collected from different outlets, many were found to be of sub-standard quality and were “misbranded” to mislead the public. The samples of fruit chutney picked up from the market also showed addition of artificial colours.

The affidavit said a total of 1,420 samples of different edible items were taken since the Court issued the directions on March 5 this year. Five of them showed the presence of pesticide residues above the prescribed tolerance limit.

Rice dish samples from two Delhi eateries found unsafe

New Delhi, Dec 4 (IANS) The Delhi High Court has been informed by the city government's food safety department that samples of rice dishes collected by it from two popular eateries here have been found to be unsafe.

In an affidavit filed by the department, it said that the presence of artificial colour rendered the dishes "unsafe" for human consumption.

Samples taken from KFC's restaurant at Scindia House in Connaught Place of its "Rizo Rice" showed it to be unsafe due to the presence of artificial colour, the affidavit said.

Rice samples collected for testing from Sagar Ratna restaurant in Guru Teg Bahadur Nagar also were found to be unsafe.

The response of the government came on a petition seeking ban on the sale of fruits, vegetables and food items with artificial colours and pesticides.

The affidavit said legal action has been initiated against the offenders.

It also said samples of ghee collected from various eateries were found to be of "sub-standard" quality and were "misbranded" to mislead the public.

Samples of fruit and vegetable chutney picked up from the Bikanerwala restaurant at the ITL Tower in Netaji Subhash Place also showed addition of artificial colours.

After the high court's direction, the department has been regularly inspecting fruits and vegetables in markets here to detect colours and pesticide residue in them.

A total of 1,420 samples of various edible items were taken since the court issued the direction March 5. Five of them showed the presence of pesticide residue above the prescribed tolerance limit.

The court had acted suo motu on a report by NGO Consumer Voice, which in 2010 found that 35 varieties of vegetables and fruits, picked from Delhi markets and tested for pesticide content, had toxins beyond permissible limits.

Soon an Indian standard for enzyme Diastase in honey

PUNE: Indian honey is soon likely to get a domestic standard for Diastase, an enzyme that is considered good for diabetes patients as well as for carbohydrate digestion. However, exporters say Indian standards are more urgently needed to regulate the antibiotics in honey.

Pune-based Central Honey Bee Research and Training Institute (CHBRTI) is working on a two-year project to come out with Indian standard for diastase in Indian honey. "According to the European standard, 8N should be the diastase content in honey. So far, we have noticed that Indian honey has diastase between 3 and 50," said CHBRTI's deputy director Daisy Thomas.

Exporters are, however, demanding domestic standards that will be on a par with the global norms.

"Our honey already has higher diastase than required by the global community," said an exporter, who did not wish to be named. "So having standards for diastase will not make much difference to Indian honey exports." Sardar Jagjit Singh Kapoor, chairman and managing director of Kashir Apiaries, India's leading honey exporter said, "We are not able to grow our exports as good quality honey is not available in sufficient quantity. We need standards to improve quality of our honey."

Similarly, another prominent exporter, Prakash Kejriwal, managing director of Kejriwal Bee Care said, "We want the FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) to notify the standards for Indian honey." Another exporter claimed on condition of anonymity that Indian honey is not good for health. "There is no agency to monitor the antibiotics in Indian honey. There should be no sugar in honey. But Indian honey has up to 40% sugar due to added sugar and rice syrup, which is available at 35 per kg," the exporter said.

DINAMANI NEWS