Do you know what meat you eat?

While over 90% meat in Pune is unhealthy and produced illegally, even PMC has only one vet to check nearly thousands of animals that go to slaughter daily

If you’re the kind that appreciates a juicy steak or a meat curry frequently, here’s a statistic to shock you off your table — over 90 per cent of meat consumed by Pune is unauthorised and undergoes no scrutiny, leaving just 10 per cent to be produced in legally-run slaughterhouses.

Shockingly, however, with only one veterinary doctor filling in for six official positions at the civic body-run abattoirs, even the latter 10 per cent undergoes scant scrutiny, leading experts to believe that several related diseases have been on the rise.

Of the Pune Municipal Corporation’s (PMC) three official slaughterhouses in Kondhwa, Kasba and Nana Peth, only a single veterinary doctor has been overlooking operations for more than two decades. Dr Prakash Wagh told Mirror, “Every day, at each slaughterhouse, at least 300 animals are butchered, of which 100 are cattle.

There are six approved posts for vets, but I am the only one looking after all the animals, which is very hectic.“

As per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, a veterinary doctor should conduct 90-odd ante-mortems -Wagh looks at hundreds a day. He added, “Daily, at least 5-10 animals are kept aside after postmortems for burial. This is only after a gross examination, not even a thorough, detailed check-up, as completing a set daily target leaves me with very less time.“ While this has been going on for 22 years, Dr Wagh's pleas for assistants have gone in vain. He said, “I observe as many animals as I can. It becomes impossible to scrutinise each one, so I cannot be blamed if substandard meat is reaching homes. I am aware that we are sending out unhealthy meat into the market. PMC knows I am short-staffed, but it has failed to provide more doctors.“

Moreover, he said, illegal slaughterhouses where animals are butchered sans a vet's approval have become rather common these days, adding, “This is a serious threat to public health -I have been fighting for more doctors to carry out ante-mortems.“ Animal welfare officer of the Animal Welfare Board of India, Manoj Oswal, affirmed, “Almost 90 per cent of meat is produced by small-time roadside shops, which often keep meat in open, easily accessible to pathogens and chemicals. Unhealthy meat consumption can lead to prostate and colon cancer; antibiotic resistance cases also increase when non-vetted meat and meat products are consumed.“

Dr A E Pavra, general manager of the Deonar Abattoir, the largest slaughterhouse in Asia, offered a counterpoint, saying, “We have 28 vets to conduct ante-mortems and post-mortems of all slaughtered animals. We also issue a fit for consumption certificate for every animal.“

PMC health chief Dr ST Pardeshi only said, “It is the FDA's responsibility to approve shops. However, after the 2006 FSSAI Act, FDA should urge people already in the meat business to register and re-register as well. It is known that people slaughter animals without vet approvals -to nab them, we will soon start a drive with FDA, but only after adding more doctors to our team. There has been a request to add six more vets, which will be placed for further approval at our meetings.“

State FDA chief Purushottam Bhapkar said, “We have started a drive to curb illegal meat production statewide and educate people about health hazards. Often, people end up buying from local vendors, who keep meat in unhygienic places, possibly leading to many illnesses. Besides issuing and approving licenses, we will also help meat shop owners study and educate themselves about illegal slaughtering and the hazards that consumption of such non-vetted products can cause.“

DCB HAS MEAT ISSUES TOO

Not just Pune, but the Dehu Road Cantonment Board (DCB) also seems to be serving low quality and substandard meat and meat products. A sanitary official from DCB told Mirror on condition of anonymity, “We hardly cut three goats and sheep a day; more than 90 per cent meat production is done illegally and unchecked. Moreover, officially-produced meat is hardly bought, as the slaughterhouse is near a graveyard, and people are suspicious and superstitious about it. Plus, we lack veterinary doctors and a proper transportation mechanism.“ DCB chief executive officer Abhishek Tripathi said, “We have two slaughterhouses in DCB -both are lying defunct, as we lack facilities like manpower, machines and effluent treatment plants. All we need is an okay from the army command to set protocol for these, but that has not been coming. I have been trying to start both slaughterhouses here soon, as during the coming festive season, illegal meat production rises to a great extent.“

BID TO PROTECT DOMESTIC POULTRY - India to Put Restrictions OnImport of US Chicken Legs

New Delhi:

Rules may propose to keep out frozen chicken older than six months and those that have consumed hormones or genetically modified feed; new norms may kick in within 6 months

India is set to tighten norms for imports of American chicken legs by proposing to keep out frozen chicken older than six months and those that have consumed hormones or genetically modified feed as the country prepares to contest a WTO order to lift a ban on purchases of US poultry.

The new standards, which may kick in within six months, could offer some protection to the growing domestic poultry industry from competitively priced American chicken legs.

While the Indian industry will also have to meet these food safety norms, being brought in as part of the government's quality initiative, it has an advantage since it largely consists of fresh poultry and does not rely on GM feed.

The World Trade Organization asked India in October to lift a ban on American chicken, imposed on account of avian influenza in 2007, calling it `unscientific' and non-compliant with the global trade body's rules.

India will challenge the WTO order in the appellate body in a couple of days, citing domestic food safety concerns.

The new import norms are being prepared by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India in consultation with the department of commerce and the department of animal husbandry, dairying & fisheries.

“We are working out standards for poultry and are discussing banning the sale of chicken older than six months. Also, poultry must not be fed with genetically modified feed, growth hormones and antibiotics,“ a government official said. US frozen chicken legs are stored for about four to five years and its poultry consume growth hormones and GM feed, a significant concern in India.

FSSAI has put out a draft order for meat and poultry products, inviting public comments. It has proposed that poultry birds should not be given feed containing meat, bone and blood.Besides, the use of antibiotics in feed and growth hormones will not be allowed.

It also said that slaughtering or processing of bovine meat will be prohibited where poultry meat is produced for human consumption.

“The order will come into effect from July 2015,“ FSSAI said in the draft order.

US consumers prefer chicken breasts and the less-favoured legs are frozen for export to other markets at highly competitive prices. Chicken legs, which are popular in India, are priced locally at about Rs 150-170 per kg, while the US sells them at Rs 40-50 per kg.

The FSSAI will work with the department of animal husbandry to modify health certificates for meat and poultry sold to India.

“It will require competent authority of the exporting country to provide certifications to India in compliance with requirements to allow for placing of meat and poultry in Indian market,“ it said in the draft order. More than 20 countries, including members of the EU, South Korea and South Africa, have imposed curbs on poultry from certain US states or the entire country. China halted imports of US poultry and eggs after an avian flu strain was detected in the Pacific Northwest. The EU banned US chicken on account of chlorine treatment.

Street vendors directed to give prominence to hygiene

MYSURU: Street vendors were on Tuesday directed to familiarize themselves with Street Vendors' Act (2014) in order to ensure job security.

Speaking during Street Vendors' Day celebrations at Vidyashankara Nilaya here on Tuesday, additional regional commissioner B K Ravi said that street vendors must know the provisions of the Act as it would protect their interests. "Empowerment of street vendors can be achieved only if they are aware of rights and facilities provided to them. Unless you are aware of your rights, you can't protect yourself from harassment like forcible eviction," Ravi added.

"The act, if implemented effectively, will ensure job security to vendors as they can know where they can run their business," said Ravi. In the heritage city, where tourist inflow is high, around 6,000 people depend on roadside business for their livelihood. Following the ordinance of Street Vendors Act, MCC will form Town Vending Zone after conducting a survey of street vendors in the city. It will decide on the number of vendors in each area.

Food officer M S Lokesh called upon street vendors to ensure hygiene. "Grooming of self is necessary and so is wearing aprons. They must keep soap to wash hands. Maintaining cleanliness in their surroundings will attract more customers, especially tourists," he said.

Vendors were also asked to build a good rapport with their customers. College students often relish street food like pani puri. In this regard, vendors were asked to be conscious about hygiene.

Brochures containing information of Street Vendors Act (2014) and Food Safety and Standard Act (2006) were distributed among the participants.

DINAMALAR NEWS

DINAMALAR NEWS

Dr Harshdeep S Kamble succeeds Bhapkar as FDA Maharashtra commissioner

Mumbai

Dr Harshdeep Shriram Kamble, Indian Administrative Services (IAS) officer of the 1997 batch belonging to the Maharashtra cadre and ex-Aurangabad municipal commissioner, succeeded Purushottam Bhapkar as commissioner, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Maharashtra, yesterday.

The latter, who was at the helm for just five months, was one of the eleven bureaucrats transferred by state chief minister Devendra Fadnavis in the fourth round of transfers, which commenced three weeks ago. He said, “I have now assumed office as head of the state cooperative marketing federation. I would not be in a position to comment on the chief minister’s decision to transfer me.”

"உணவுப் பொருள்களில் கலப்படம் செய்தால் சிறை'

உணவுப் பொருள்களில் கலப்படம் செய்வோருக்கு சிறை தண்டனை பெற்றுத்தர நடவடிக்கை எடுக்கப்படும் என்று மாவட்ட ஆட்சியர் வா.சம்பத் தெரிவித்தார்.
உணவுப் பாதுகாப்பு மற்றும் மருந்து நிர்வாகத்துறை தொடர்பான ஆய்வுக் கூட்டம் மாவட்ட ஆட்சியர் அலுவலகத்தில் செவ்வாய்க்கிழமை நடைபெற்றது. இக் கூட்டத்தில் மாவட்ட ஆட்சியர் வா.சம்பத் தலைமை தாங்கி பேசியது:
உணவு பாதுகாப்புத் துறையின் ஒன்றிய அலுவலர்கள் அனைவரும், மதிய உணவு மற்றும் அங்காடி திட்டத்தில் வழங்கும் உணவுகள் குறித்து தொடர்பாக ஆய்வு மேற்கொண்டு அறிக்கை வழங்க வேண்டும். அனைத்து கடைகள் மற்றும் உணவு நிறுவனங்களில் தொடர்ந்து சோதனை செய்து, தரமற்ற பொருட்களை விற்பவர்கள் மீது நடவடிக்கை எடுக்க வேண்டும். தரம் குறைவான மற்றும் பாதுகாப்பில்லாத உணவுப் பொருள்களை விற்பனை செய்தது தொடர்பாக இந்த ஆண்டு விழுப்புரம் மாவட்டத்தில் 45 வழக்குகள் தொடரப்பட்டு, ரூ.2.61 லட்சம் அபராதம் விதிக்கப்பட்டுள்ளது.
உணவு பாதுகாப்புத்துறையின் மூலம் மளிகைக் கடைகள், உணவகங்கள், நெடுஞ்சாலை உணவகங்கள், அரசு நிறுவனங்களில் சுகாதாரத்துறையினர் ஆய்வு மேற்கொள்ள வேண்டும். காலாவதியான பொருள்களை பறிமுதல் செய்து அழிக்க வேண்டும். பாதுகாப்பற்ற, கலப்படமான உணவு என்று ஆய்வில் தெரியவந்தால் அபராதம் மற்றும் சிறை தண்டனை பெற்றுதர வழிவகை செய்ய வேண்டும்.
பள்ளி சத்துணவு மையங்களில் பயன்படுத்தும் பாத்திரம் மற்றும் தண்ணீர் சுத்தமாக, சுகாதாரமாக உள்ளதா என தொடர் ஆய்வுகள் மேற்கொள்ள வேண்டும். குறிப்பாக பள்ளிகள், அங்கன்வாடி மையங்களில் சமையலறை,அங்கு வழங்கப்படும் முட்டைகளை உணவுப் பாதுகாப்பு அலுவலர்கள் சோதனை செய்ய வேண்டும்.
விழுப்புரம் மாவட்டத்தில் உள்ள அனைத்து சாலையோர கடைகளில் வழங்கப்படும் உணவுகளை பரிசோதனை செய்ய வேண்டும். அங்கு வழங்கப்படும் அசைவ உணவையும் ஆய்வு செய்ய வேண்டும் என்றார்.
கூட்டத்தில் மருத்துவத்துறை துணை இயக்குநர் மீரா, திட்ட இயக்குநர் (ஒருங்கிணைந்த குழந்தைகள் வளர்ச்சி திட்டம்) டி.சாமுண்டீஸ்வரி, மதிய உணவு திட்ட அலுவலரின் நேர்முக உதிவயாளர் கே.சரோஜாதேவி, விழுப்புரம், திண்டிவனம், கள்ளக்குறிச்சி நகராட்சி ஆணையர்கள், விழுப்புரம் மாவட்ட தன்னார்வ நுகர்வோர் பாதுகாப்பு குழும தலைவர் நூர்அஹமது, உணவக உரிமையாளர் சங்க தலைவர் சுப்புராமன், உணவு வணிக சங்க பிரதிநிதிகள் மற்றும் உணவு பாதுகாப்பு அலுவலர்கள் உள்ளிட்டோர் பங்கேற்றனர்.

கம்பம் பகுதியில் 25 கிலோ பான் மசாலா பொருட்கள் பறிமுதல் உணவு பாதுகாப்பு பிரிவு துறையினர் அதிரடி

கம்பம், ஜன.21:
கம்பம் பகுதியில் 25 கிலோ பான் மசாலா பொருட்கள், புகையிலை ஆகியவற்றை உணவு பாதுகாப்பு பிரிவு துறையினர் அதிரடி சோதனை நடத்தி பறிமுதல் செய்தனர்.
கம்பம் பகுதியிலுள்ள சில கடைகளில் தடை செய்யப்பட்ட போதை மற்றும் நச்சுப்பொருள் கலந்த போதைப்பாக்கு மற்றும் புகையிலை விற்கப்படுகிறது. இதுகுறித்து தேனி மாவட்ட கலெக்டர் வெங்கடாச்சலம் உணவு பாதுகாப்பு பிரிவு துறையினரை நேற்று கம்பம் பகுதியில் சோதனை செய்ய உத்தரவிட்டார்.
இவரது உத்தரவின்பேரில் மாவட்ட உணவு பாதுகாப்பு அலுவலர் டாக்டர் மீனாட்சிசுந்தரம் தலைமையில் நகராட்சி உணவு பாதுகாப்பு அலுவலர்கள் கம்பம் ஜனகர் ஜோதிநாதன், போடி பாலமுருகன் ஆகியோர் நகராட்சி சுகாதாரப்பிரிவு பணியாளர்களுடன் கம்பம் வாரச்சந்தை, மற்றும் பஜார் பகுதிகளில் சோதனை செய்தனர். இதில் சில கடைகளில் விற்பனைக்காக வைத்திருந்த தடை செய்யப்பட்ட போதை மற்றும் நச்சுப்பொருள் கலந்த போதைப்பாக்கு மற்றும் புகையிலை சுமார் 25 கிலோவை பறிமுதல் செய்தனர்.
பறிமுதல் செய்யப்பட்ட கடைக்காரர்களிடம், மறுபடியும் ஆய்வு செய்ய வரும்போது மீண்டும் இது போன்ற அனுமதி இல்லாத தடைசெய்யப்பட்ட பொருட்கள் விற்பனை செய்வது தெரிய வந்தால் வழக்குப்பதிவு செய்யப்படும் என்று அதிகாரிகள் எச்சரிக்கை செய்தனர். பின்னர் பறிமுதல் செய்யப்பட்ட பொருட்கள் தீவைத்து கொளுத்தினர்.

காலாவதி குளிர்பானங்கள் பறிமுதல்

மன்னார்குடி, ஜன. 21:
மன்னார்குடியில் பெட்டிக்கடைகளில் காலாவதியான குளிர்பானங்கள் பறிமுதல் செய்யப்பட்டது.
மன்னார்குடி நகராட்சி பகுதிகளில் பெட்டிக்கடைகள் மற்றும் குளிர்பான விற்பனை நிலையங்களில் காலவதியான வாட்டர் பாக்கெட்டுகள், குளிர்பானங்கள் விற்பனை செய்யப்படுவதாக புகார் எழுந்தது. அதை கண்டறிந்து பறி முதல் செய்யுமாறு நகராட்சி தலைவர் சுதாஅன்புச்செல்வன் ஆலோ சனை வழங்கினார். அதனை தொடர்ந்து நகரா ட்சி ஆணையர் (பொ) மனோகரன் தலைமையில் சுகாதார ஆய்வாளர்கள் ராஜேந்திரன், சாமிநாதன், விஜயகுமார் மற்றும் நகரா ட்சி ஊழியர்கள் பந்தலடி, மேலராஜவீதி, பேருந்து நிலையம் உள்ளிட்ட பகுதிகளில் உள்ள பெட்டி கடை களில் சோதனையிட்டனர். இதில் காலாவதியான குளிர்பானங்கள், வாட்டர் பாட்டில்கள், பாக்கெட்டுகள் ஆகியவற்றை பறிமுதல் செய்தனர்.
பறிமுதல் செய்யப்பட்ட பாட்டில்களை நகராட்சித்தலைவர் சுதாஅன்புச்செல்வன், ஒப்பந்ததாரர்கள் பி.ஜி.பாரதி, மோகன் மற்றும் நகராட்சி ஊழியர் கள் முன்னிலையில் நகரா ட்சி வளாகத்தில் வைத்து அழிக்கப்பட்டது. இதன் மதிப்பு சுமார் 10 ஆயிரம்.
காலாவதியான பொருட்களை விற்பனை செய்வது சட்டப்படி குற்றம். எனவே தங்களது வாடிக்கையாளர்களுக்கு தரமான பொருட்களை விற்பனை செய்யவேண்டியது வர்த்தகர்களின் கடமை. நகராட்சி சார்பில் தொடர்ந்து கண்காணிப்புசெய்யப்படும் என ஆணையர் மனோகரன் எச்சரிக்கை விடுத்தார்.

FoodSafetyHelpline Answers Top Questions From Food Safety Forums

Queries from Food Safety Discussion Forums - FoodSafetyHelpline experts replied to the recent queries:

Q. Honorable Supreme Court of India has held in the case of S.Samuel, M.D. Harrisons Malayalam v. Union of India – Appeal ( civil ) No.12746 -12747 of 1996 decided on 06.11.2003 – that TEA is not food. The relevant abstract of this judgement is reproduced hereunder for your ready reference.

As an upshot of the above discussion, also keeping in view the judicial exposition of the terms ‘foodstuffs’ and ‘tea’, we are definitely of the opinion that tea is not foodstuff. Even in a wider sense as dealt with in Virkumar Gulabchand Shah’s case (supra) “foodstuff” will not include tea as tea either in the form of the leaves or in the form of beverage does not go into the preparation of food proper to make it more palatable and digestible. Tea leaves are not eaten. Tea is a beverage produced by steeping tea leaves or buds of the tea plants in boiled water. Such ‘tea’ is consumed hot or cold for its flavour, taste and its quality as a stimulant.

The stimulating effect is cause by the presence of caffeine therein. ‘Tea’ neither nourishes the body nor sustains or promotes its growth. It does not have a nutritional value. It does not help formation of enzymes nor does it enable anabolism. Tea or its beverage does not go into the preparation of any foodstuff. In common parlance, any one who has taken tea would not say that he has taken or eaten food. Thus, ‘tea’ is not ‘food’. It is not understood as ‘food’ or ‘foodstuff’ either in common parlance or by the opinion of Lexicographers.

Food license under FSS Act is required for food product dealers. As per the above judgement of Honorable Supreme Court, TEA is not food. If tea is not food, then why food license is required under FSS Act for tea traders?

A. Tea is very well a food product and has been categorized as Beverage as defined under the Food Safety & Standards Act, 2006. Food Safety Regulations have defined the standards for Tea & Tea Products including testing parameters. Food Business operators dealing with Tea & Tea Products have to obtain a license/registration under the food Safety & Standards Act.

Q. We manufacture products exclusively for export which are exported to other countries. These are both traditional food items like rice cereals etc and proprietary food items.

I seek clarification on:

1. Do I need to take product approval for these export items as well.

2. Whether FSSAI license no. is also required on label of these export items or not.

A. 100% Export oriented food units shall have to acquire a Central License from FSSAI under Food Safety & Standards Act, 2006. Food Product Approval system is applicable for the food items which are manufactured/processed or imported into India for further sale within the national territory regions and for which the standards have not been defined under FSS Act, Rules & Regulations.

The Food Labelling will be as per the requirements of the buyer & his country. So, the information on the label and how it should be displayed will have to be as per the guidelines of the importing country.

Q. What is the rule about shift code in batch code.

1. Can we write G (General shift) for production started from 7AM to 5 PM.

2. Can we write A (Morning shift) for production after 2PM upto 5PM

A. The Batch No. & Code number are used for the identification purposes. How should these be displayed on the label will depend on your own choice.

Q. What is the Penalty in case of conducting food business without a license?

A. The manufacture, store, sale, distribution & import of any article of food without a license would be liable for a fine which may extend to Rs. 5 Lacs and an imprisonment which may extend to Six months.

A food business without a Registration would be liable for a fine which may extend to Rs. 2 Lacs.

Q. Is is essential for a small Coffee Roasting company to have a staff member who has a B.Sc degree? Will an engineering degree do?

A. As per one of the conditions of the license, such staff member shall possess at least a degree in Science with Chemistry/Bio Chemistry/Food and Nutrition/Microbiology or a degree or diploma in Food Technology/Dairy Technology/Dairy Microbiology/Dairy Chemistry/ Dairy Engineering/ Oil Technology or any degree or diploma in any other discipline related to the specific requirements of the business from a recognized university or institute or equivalent.

இளம்பிள்ளை பகுதியில் நேற்று அதிரடி சோதனை - பேக்கரியில் காலாவதி குளிர்பானம் பறிமுதல் இளம்பிள்ளையில் அதிரடி சோதனை

இளம்பிள்ளை, ஜன.21:

இளம்பிள்ளை பகுதியில் நேற்று அதிரடி சோதனையில் ஈடுபட்ட உணவு பாதுகாப்பு குழுவினர், பேக்கரி கடையில் விற்பனைக்காக வைக்கப்பட்டிருந்த காலாவதி குளிர்பானங்களை கைப்பற்றி அழித்தனர்.

சேலம் மாவட்டம் இளம்பிள்ளை பகுதியில் நேற்று சேலம் மாவட்ட உணவு பாதுகாப்பு நியமன அலுவலர் டாக்டர் அனுராதா தலைமையிலான குழுவினர் அதிரடி சோதனையில் ஈடுபட்டனர்.

இளம்பிள்ளை, பெருமாகவுண்டம்பட்டி, கல்பாரப்பட்டி, இடங்கணசாலை வணிக வளாகம் உள்ளிட்ட பகுதிகளில் செயல்பட்டு வரும் பேக்கரி கடைகள், டீக்கடைகள், மளிகை கடைகள், ஓட்டல் கடைகளில் உணவு பாதுகாப்பு அலுவலர் சிரஞ்சீவி, ரவி, இளங்கோ உள்ளிட்டோர் நடத்திய இந்த சோதனையின்போது பேக்கரி கடைகளில் பிரட் மற்றும் பிஸ்கட் ஆகியவற்றை உலரவைக்க தாள்களை பயன்படுத்தக்கூடாது என அறிவுறுத்தப்பட்டது. மேலும், அங்கிருந்த காலாவதியான குளிர்பானங்கள், உணவு பொருட்களை கைப்பற்றி அழித்தனர்.

டீக்கடைகளில் சோதனை நடத்திய அதிகாரிகள், கலப்பட டீத்துள் பயன்படுத்தக்கூடாது என எச்சரிக்கை விடுத்தனர். மேலும், மளிகை கடையில் பொட்டலம் போடுவதற்கு பிளாஸ்டிக் கவர்களை பயன்படுத்தக்கூடாது என உரிமையாளர்களுக்கு எச்சரிக்கை விடுத்தனர். மேலும், சாயமேற்பட்ட உணவு பொருட்களை விற்பனை செய்யக்கூடாது என அறிவுறுத்தினர்.

இதேபோல், அங்குள்ள சேகோ ஆலையிலும் அலுவலர் அனுராதா தலைமையிலான குழுவினர் ஆய்வு பணியில் ஈடுபட்டனர். இந்த அதிரடி சோதனை யால் நேற்று இளம்பிள்ளை பகுதியில் பரபரப்பு ஏற்பட்டது.

இளம்பிள்ளை பகுதியில் நேற்று ஆய்வு பணியில் ஈடுபட்ட மாவட்ட உணவு பாதுகாப்பு நியமன அலுவலர் அனுராதா தலைமையிலான குழுவினர் பேக்கரி கடையில் விற்பனைக்காக வைக்கப்பட்டிருந்த காலாவதி குளிர் பானங்களை கைப்பற்றி அங்கேயே அழித்தனர்.

DINAMALAR NEWS

Raids reveal poor quality food stuff across city

LUCKNOW: Nearly 90% food samples, including raw material, cooking medium and packed food were prima facie found of sub-standard quality during raids carried out by officials of the food safety departments at various places in the city. On Tuesday, officials have taken 10 samples of various food items into their custody from shops located in different areas of the city and have sent them for testing.

A Chinese restaurant in Hazratganj was raided by officials who took a sample of vegetable oil and found it sub-standard. Prior to this, the restaurant was raided by the officials of the food department in 2014, and sub-standard raw material was seized from there.

Senior superintendent of police (Lucknow) Yashasvi Yadav said, "If edible items are substandard, it's a serious matter as it puts public health to jeopardy and criminal action should follow." He added that action can be taken under relevant sections of IPC and Food & Drug Act, provided FDA officials register a complaint.

Sub-standard are samples of Amul Taza toned milk and Amul full cream milk were collected from Munshipulia. A sample of flour collected from a bakery in Marutipuram was also found sub-standard. Apart from this, milk samples collected from Khazana Chauraha (in Aashiana), Para Chauraha and Mal Bharavan Road were also found sub-standard prima facie.

A sample of aerated cold drink collected from a Transportnagar-based restaurant and khasta namkeen (fried snacks) collected from Hewett Road were of poor quality. In addition to these, a sample of chilly powder from a retail outlet in Vikasnagar was misbranded.

On January 16, Food Safety and Drug Administration has suspended the food licence of two sweet selling shops of the city. As per the FSDA officials, the two shops were asked to stop operating their shops until further orders, following notices being served to them. The step was taken after laboratory reports confirmed presence of detergent powder in a sample collected from one shop and chemical colour from the other sample. Commissioner FSDA Badal Chaterjee told TOI that samples collected from the two shops were found unfit for human consumption, hence food licence has been suspended.

Government working to streamline process for approval of food items

This will not only clear the approval of several pending proposals for food products but will also give the much needed push to the domestic food processing industry.

NEW DELHI: The Union Health Ministry along with the Food Safety and Standard Authority is working to streamline the process for time-bound approval of food products. 

"This will not only clear the approval of several pending proposals for food products but will also give the much needed push to the domestic food processing industry," Union Health Minister J P Nadda today said while stressing that there should not be any compromise with quality and safety of the food products. 

Nadda also emphasised that manufacturing process adheres to standards and procedures under the mandate of the Food Safety and Standard Authority (FSSA) Act 2006 to ensure that the food that is consumed is safe, healthy and wholesome. 

Various issues pertaining to regulation under the FSSAI Act 2006, including the mechanism for 'product approval were discussed at a review meeting, where stakeholders from the food processing industries, Secretary, Department of Food Processing, Chairman & CEO, FSSAI and officials of Union Health Ministry were present, according to a statement issued by the Ministry. 

Nadda today also stressed on the need to have safe and wholesome food, and local manufacturing of food products under the 'Make in India' campaign of Indian government.

Government working for time-bound approval of food products

Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda said the government is working towards streamlining the process for time-bound approval of food products.

The health ministry along with the Food Safety and Standard Authority of India (FSSAI) is working on this, an official release quoted him as saying Tuesday.

Nadda said: "This will not only clear the approval of several pending proposals for food products but will also give a much needed push to the domestic food processing industry, while not compromising with quality and safety of food products."

Nadda also stressed on the need to have safe and wholesome food, and the local manufacturing of food products under the government's Make in India campaign.

The health ministry recently held a review meeting with all the stakeholders under the mandate of the Food Safety and Standard Authority (FSSA) Act, 2006, to ensure that food that is consumed is safe, healthy and wholesome, and the manufacturing process adheres to standards and procedures.

Present at the meeting were stakeholders from the food processing industries, the secretary of the department of industrial policy and promotions, the secretary of the department of food processing, and the chairman and CEO of FSSAI, besides officials of the health ministry.

Nadda said that in order to ensure the quality and safety of food products, various issues pertaining to regulation under the FSSA Act were discussed at the meeting, including the mechanism for product approval.

DINAMALAR NEWS

EU Lifts Ban on Alphonso but Veggies still a No-no

Anti-tobacco law hardly implemented

Patna: Bihar has the dubious distinction of being one of the highest consumers of tobacco products. But the government doesn't seem to be serious about controlling the menace. According to recent cumulative figures of the State Tobacco Control Cell, none of the districts of the state could fine even 25% violators of anti-tobacco law COTPA (Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act).

Only 2,028 'challans' were issued across Bihar in four months from August to November in 2014. In Kerala and Karnataka, at least 7,000 'challans' are issued every month. Officials of police, drug control and food safety departments not below the rank of sub-inspector can issue 'challans'.

Section 4 of the Act prohibits smoking in public places and violator can be fined Rs 200 by the manager of the public place or designated officials. Section 6 prohibits sale of tobacco products to minors and in 100 yards' area of any educational institute. Most of the 'challans' in the state are issued under Section 4.

Buxar, East Champaran, West Champaran, Gopalganj, Muzaffarpur, Nalanda, Saran and Sheohar did not file a single 'challan' . This despite the fact that a series of letters have been sent right from the level of chief secretary as well as principal secretary and secretary of health department to all the district magistrates to implement the law.

Eight other districts achieved the 'challan target' by less than 1%. They include Aurangabad, Begusarai, Bhojpur, Jehanabad, Jamui, Kaimur, Nawada and Rohtas. A target is the calculated number of 'challans' issued against the estimated number of cases of violations.

In the four-month period, Sheikhpura, Nawada, Kaimur, Jamui, Jehanabad, Bhojpur, Begusarai and Aurangabad issued less than five 'challans' each. Araria, Arwal, Darbhanga, Gaya, Banka, Khagaria, Kishanganj, Lakhisarai, Saharsa, Samastipur, Sitamarhi, Siwan and Vaishali districts could not fine even 100 violators during the period.

Poor rate of violation was discussed at length at the State Tobacco Control Coordination Committee meeting held in the State Health Society of Bihar on Tuesday. Principal secretary (health) Brajesh Mehrotra said all nodal officers for tobacco control must be sent an SMS alert every month about monthly review of 'challans'. Additional executive director Rahul Kumar said the department would send a letter to all BDOs and COs who would be made responsible for the implementation of law.

Deepak Mishra, executive director of SEEDS, said smokeless tobacco products, including 'khaini', 'zarda' and paan masala, are the biggest troublemakers for the state as pointed out in studies, including that of WHO.

‘GM’ NEED NOT BE A DIRTY WORD

The popular backlash to genetically modified crops ignores the fact that the ability to add value to agricultural produce is part of our economic history. Not adopting agricultural biotechnology, and risking food shortages in the near future, is an unsustainable proposition

The opposition to genetically modified crops has gained momentum even though ‘green’ activists often do not have all the facts and figures about the progress made by such crops in the recent years. In a world, where population is increasing at such a rate that the demand for food will nearly double by 2050, biotechnology can help achieve food security, as well as improve health in developing countries by enhancing food nutrition.

Agriculture needs to be viewed as a knowledge-based entrepreneurial activity, and biotechnology has enabled genetic advancement of crops, improved soil productivity, and enhanced weed and pest control. Since the introduction of large-scale GM crop cultivation in 1996, more than 79 per cent of soybean, 70 per cent of cotton, 32 per cent of corn, and 24 per cent of canola grown worldwide comes from GM seeds. The rapid adoption of GM crops demonstrates that they offer great economic benefits. Farmers experience lower production costs and higher yields because weed control is cheaper and fewer losses are sustained from pests. These crops are also safer to handle than those raised on traditional chemical pesticides.

In 2013, 18 million farmers grew GM crops in 27 countries around the world. Of these, 90 per cent were small and resource-poor farmers from developing countries. Most of the benefits to such farmers have come from cotton. For example, between 2002 and 2012, Bacillus thuringiensis cotton added $9.4 billion worth of value to farmers in India, cut insecticide use by half, helped double the yield, and turned the country from a cotton importer into a major exporter. Do remember that this came after cotton production was falling in the 1990s.

Farmers from cotton growing States have led the way, and after doubling production, are ready to do more. After fighting bollworm insects, which cotton seeds with Bt. technologies have helped manage, weeds are the next big challenge for the farmers. Weeds compete with the crop for nutrition and lower productivity.

To take full advantage of the many applications of biotechnology in agriculture, Indian policymakers are asking if aversion to and over-regulation of GM production is warranted. Trends suggest that future decisions on GM crops will be driven by local needs. For example, the water-efficient maize for Africa, coordinated by the African Agricultural Technology Foundation in collaboration with the International Centre for the Improvement of Maize and Wheat Center in Mexico, is likely to attract interest in India.

Despite the fact that GM crops have the potential to greatly increase crop and livestock productivity and nutrition, a popular backlash against GM foods has created a harsh political atmosphere under which tight regulations are being developed. Much of the inspiration for restrictive regulation comes from the Cartagena Protocol on Bio-safety under the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity. The central doctrine of the Cartagena Protocol is the “precautionary principle” that empowers Governments to restrict the release of products or their consumption if there are any hypothetical hazards, even if there is no scientific evidence that they are harmful. This approach differs from food safety practices adopted by the World Trade Organization that allow governments to restrict products only when there is sufficient scientific evidence of harm.

Under the precautionary principle, public perceptions are enough to trigger a ban. Those seeking stringent regulation have cited uncertainties such as horizontal transfer of genes from GM crops to their wild relatives. Others have expressed concern that the development of resistance to herbicides in GM crops might result in “super weeds”. Some have raised fears about the safety of GM foods to human health. Others are worried that farmers will be dependent on foreign firms for the supply of seed. But many forget that unlike in developed countries, where food security is assured, GM foods in emerging countries are needed to revolutionise the lives of suppliers and consumers.

In India specifically, some have pointed out that using GM seeds may make our agricultural products unfit got export, particularly to Europe. Yet, the fact is that Europe is in fact still importing huge amounts of grain, edible oils and seed meal that is transgenic. And those raising a bogey over transgenic materials will do well to remember that scientists have identified more than 98,000 viruses in the human genome, along with the mutant vestiges of 150,000 others. In the words of Carl Zimmer: “If we were to strip out all our transgenic DNA, we would become extinct”.

After working in plant sciences for the last 45 years and in the popularisation of biology among masses, this author is of the firm view that science and innovation have always been the key forces behind agricultural growth, in particular, and economic transformation, in general. The ability to add value to agricultural produce, via the application of scientific knowledge to entrepreneurial activities, stands out as one of the most important lessons of economic history. In the long run, not adopting agricultural biotechnology carries more risks than adopting it in time.

India today requires another green revolution that is based on a low input-high output model, is sustainable and resilient to climate change. The country will have to use the best of science, technology and innovation to meet these challenges. With effective use of old and new technologies, we can aspire to high annual growth in agriculture and allied areas. However, if bans and moratoriums are placed on testing transgenic crops, no scientist will enter the field and public investments, already abysmally low by international standards, will dry out. It is time Government/Ministries stopped working at cross-purposes and remembered the immortal words of Jawaharlal Nehru: “It is science alone that can solve the problems of hunger and poverty, of sanitation and illiteracy, of superstition and deadening custom and traditions. Who indeed can afford to ignore science today?”

Seeking Comments with regard to Draft Order on Meat and Poultry Products on the Indian Market

CCFI slaps legal notice on FSSAI for issuing organic certificate, logo

Mumbai: 

The Crop Care Federation of India (CCFI) recently issued a legal notice to the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) for issuing organic certificates and logos to companies caught cheating consumers. 

In the notice, the federation alleged that the country’s apex food regulator let fake, wrongly-labelled and misbranded organic products deceive millions of people.

CCFI collected and shared 25-30 samples from across the country, where organic brands were clearly found flouting and misusing the certificates and logos issued by FSSAI. Some of these were manufactured by the biggest names in the Indian organic industry. The federation also alleged that these companies were spreading deliberate misinformation about conventional foods consumed by a large number of people.

Rajju Shroff, chairman, CCFI, said, “These are serious violations by organic brands who are openly flouting various provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Regulations (FSSR), 2011. These brands are also spreading fear among the consumers by printing unsubstantiated and unscientific claims.”

Although a sample of organic rava idli mix showed the FSSAI licence number, the label did not disclose the percentage of ingredients used at the time of manufacturing. And the label on a packet of organic chaat masala nor disclosed the percentage of ingredients, nor bore a FSSAI licence number.

To top it, it was found that the FSSAI has not booked a single violator for mislabelling products sold as organic in the past eight years. “We have decided to take FSSAI to court, because we feel they are not vigilant and apparently have no intention to crack down on such fake organic brands carrying objectionable, unscientific and unsupportable label claims.”

“FSSAI has also not drawn any sample of organic products from the retail market for tests in the past eight years,” said Shroff. FSSR, 2011 state that no person shall manufacture, distribute, sell or expose for sale or dispatch or deliver to any agent or broker for the purpose of sale, any packaged products which are not marked and labelled in the manner as may be specified by regulations.

“The organic logo does not and cannot represent any health or safety or nutrition distinction over conventionally-produced farm products. It certifies that the product was produced using certain organic production and processing standards,” said Ganesan Shunmugam, public policy advisor to CCFI. 

The federation demanded that FSSAI take action against the organic food companies.

Legal notice

Mumbai High Court advocate Hiranya Pandey said, “My client (CCFI) obtained samples of organic products widely sold in domestic markets. They observed that the sale of these products in retail markets contravenes various provisions of FSSR, 2011.”

“It would like to state that the weak implementations of the regulations by the concerned authorities are responsible for this. CCFI also suspects the connivance of the authorities in certain acts of omission and commission,” he added.

“My client found flagrant labelling violations in the organic products sold in retail markets. They remain unnoticed/unchecked. The term organic should only be used on the labels of raw or processed agricultural products without regard to end-use properties of the product,” Pandey said.

“CCFI, therefore, would like to present some examples, with material evidence, to show the poor enforcement by FSSAI, leading to the production and marketing of fake organic products and the mislabelling of organic labelled products with all sorts of unscientific and tall claims on the package,” he added.

Examples

Sresta Natural Products Bio Products Pvt Ltd

Dry ginger powder

The company, based in Gundla Pochammpally Village, Ranga Reddy District, Hyderabad, Telangana, sells dry ginger powder as an organic product under the brand name 24 Letter Mantra at Rs 600 per kg. 

Its label bears three logos - those of Indian Organic, United States Department of Agricultural Organic and IN-ORG. But it does not have an FSSAI licence number.

The package gives ten reasons for going organic, which inter alia state that children must be protected from pesticides that cause cancer. FSSR, 2011, is meant for laying down science-based standards. 

Pandey said, “CCFI seeks to know if the apex food regulator approves of such misleading and unscientific claims on the labels of organic products.”

“My client purchased a product, whose batch number was GAH 2014204 and date of packing was August 20, 2014, from Delhi. FSSAI ought to know that the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) does not consider any pesticide to be human carcinogen,” he added.

“In fact, no chemical would be approved to be registered as a pesticide if it is found to cause cancer in humans,” Pandey said.

Organic chaat masala

Sresta Natural Products Bio Products Pvt Ltd also sells organic chaat masala - a combination of various spices - at Rs 900 per kg. But the label does not disclose the percentage of the ingredient used at the time of the manufacture of the food as required by FSSR, 2011.

Moreover, there is no FSSAI licence number on the label. Pandey said the product, bearing batch number GK12041720, was packed on August 7, 2014, and purchased by his client in New Delhi.

Phalada Agro Research Foundations Pvt Ltd

Organic rava idli mix

The Bengaluru-based firm sells organic rava idli mix at Rs 260 per kg. The label bears a licence number, but does not disclose the percentage of the ingredient used at the time of the manufacture of the food, as mandated by the FSSR, 2011. 

The label shows that it has been certified as organic by three certification agencies. The product, which bears batch number 022809 and was packed in September 2014, was purchased by Pandey’s clients in Delhi.

Brahm Arpon Organics (Pvt) Ltd

Organic uradh dal

The company sells organic uradh dal at Rs 136 per kg. It bears the Indian Organics logo and an FSSAI licence number. 

It makes a number of exaggerated claims, such as being high on nutrition, organic food is healthier than conventional foodstuff; conventional crops have a high amount of toxins; the use of composted manure reduces the chances of such diseases as cancer, brain damage or infant abnormalities.

The batch number of the product is URC5 CA-10, and the date of packing is November 12, 2014. 

“My clients seek to know if FSSAI has scientific evident to support the claim that the use of compost reduces cancers, brain damage and birth defects, as claimed in the label,” Pandey added.

JMC destroys 4503 litres of ‘Go’ brand milk

JAMMU: Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) on Monday destroyed the already seized nearly 45o3 litres of double toned substandard milk of ‘Go’ brand.

Under the supervision of Municipal Commissioner, Kiran Wattal, the Food Wing of JMC headed by Health Officer, Dr. Mohammad Saleem Khan and Food Safety Officers lifted two samples of Double Toned Milk ‘Go Brand’ during routine checking in the month of August, 2014 from the premises of M/s Best Price, Wall Mart India Pvt. Ltd. Akhnoor Road and M/s Parag Milk Foods Pvt. Ltd. Akali Kour Singh Nagar, Digiana, Jammu (Distributor/Supplier) of Double Toned Milk ‘Go’ brand and were sent to the Food Analyst, Jammu for analysis . About 4,503 litres of said milk was seized and kept in the safe custody of designated officer (Health Officer) Jammu Municipal Corporation.

The Food Analyst reported the samples Mis-branded on 20th September 2014 and accordingly prosecution was launched in the Court of Law i.e. Adjudicating Officer (FSSA 2006) (Additional District Magistrate), Jammu by the concerned Food Safety Officers Ashwani Kumar and Parveen Gupta.

The designated Court after hearing, convicted accused parties i.e. M/s Best Price, Wall Mart India Pvt. Ltd and Parag Milk Foods Pvt. Ltd and M/s Parag Milk Product Pvt. Ltd by imposing a fine of Rs. 20,000 to the accused parties referred above and further ordered that the seized product being of perishable nature and also not safe for the consumers be destroyed.

In compliance to these orders dated 6th January 2015, the designated officer and Food Safety officers concerned on Monday destroyed the seized products in the presence of Executive Magistrate and local media.

It is pertinent to mention here that Jammu Municipal Corporation in its previous major drives on certain occasions also destroyed huge quantities of sweets, milk, milk products and other food articles being prepared under unhygienic conditions largely in the public interest and for safety of general public.

Ethnic food court on wheels

Taste of Malabar:Tourism MinisterA.P. Anil Kumar tasting ethnic dishes during the launch of ‘Durbar,’ the DTPC’s mobile food court, in Malappuram on Sunday.

The District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) launched a mobile food court with the objective of promoting ethnic food items of Malappuram district.

Tourism Minister A.P. Anil Kumar flagged off the mobile food venture titled ‘Durbar’ at a function held here on Sunday.

“Even when promoting the ethnic dishes of Malappuram, we are trying to woo foreign tourists to the genuine taste of the district,” said DTPC secretary V. Umer Koya.

“But Durbar will not confine to ethnic food items alone. It will provide all kinds of continental dishes. It will move along with the tourists and prepare food for them if there is demand. But its preference will be ethnic food items,” he said.

Prominent among the dishes provided by Durbar on the first day were ‘pathiri,’ coconut rice, and biryani. Other dishes will also be available on demand.

The DTPC had launched ‘Treat’ restaurants at some places in the district with the aim of introducing and popularising ethnic dishes a month ago.

The public response to the Treat restaurants promoted the DTPC to launch Durbar now.

Durbar can be reached on the phone 9746459570.

JMC launches drive against adulterated milk

Jammu Tawi, January 19

Under the supervision of Municipal Commissioner, Er Kiran Wattal, Food Wing of Municipal Corporation headed by Designated Officer Dr. Mohd. Saleem Khan and Food Safety Officers, two samples of Double Toned Milk "Go Brand" were lifted during routine checking in the month of August, 2014 from the premises of M/S Best Price, Wall Mart India Pvt. Ltd. Akhnoor Road,Toph Sherkhania and M/S Parag Milk Foods Pvt. Ltd. Akali Kour Singh Nagar, Digiana, Jammu (Distributor/Supplier) of Double Toned Milk "Go Brand" and were sent to the Food Analyst, Jammu for analysis . 4503 Ltrs of said milk was seized and kept in the safe custody of designated officer (Health Officer) Jammu Municipal Corporation.

The Food Analyst reported the samples Mis-branded on September 20, 2014 and accordingly prosecution was launched in the Court of Law i.e. Adjudicating Officer (FSSA 2006) (Additional District Magistrate), Jammu by the concerned Food Safety Officers Ashwani Kumar and Parveen Gupta.

The designated Court after hearing, convicted accused parties i.e. M/S Best Price, Wall Mart India Pvt. Ltd. Akhnoor Road,Toph Sherkhania and M/S Parag Milk Foods Pvt. Ltd. Akali Kour Singh Nagar, Digiana, Jammu and M/S Parag Milk Product Pvt. Ltd. Samundrapalli Village Pengeragunta Post, Palamaner Mandal, Chittor Disst. Andra Pardesh by imposing a fine of Rs. 20,000 (Twenty Thousand Only ) to the accused parties referred above and further ordered that the seized product being of perishable nature and also not safe for the consumers be destroyed. In compliance to these orders dated 06.01.2015, the designated officer and Food Safety officers concerned destroyed the seized products on January 19, 2015 in presence of Executive Magistrate and local media.

It is pertinent to mention here that Jammu Municipal Corporation in its previous major drives on certain occasions also destroyed quintals of sweets, milk, milk products and other food articles being prepared under unhygienic conditions largely in the public interest and for safety of general public.

Tetra Pak® concluded its food safety seminar with chef Vikas Khanna in Delhi

After receiving an encouraging response from mothers under their Right to Keep Food Safe campaign, Tetra Pak® concluded its food safety seminar in the city with celebrity chef Vikas Khanna recently.

Close to 250 mothers attended the seminar and were trained to spread their knowledge and become safe food ambassadors. Chef Vikas Khanna said, "As a chef, I am responsible for the safe preparation and handling of food and awareness about good nutritional habits. In the same context, every mother feels responsible for her family and child's food safety. I strongly recommend they become a part of the campaign as it is an important step in this direction."

Khanna shared his tips on safe food handling and cooking in an interactive session with the mothers, who were also given a tour of the unique Nutrition Quotient (NQ) website, a first-of-its-kind online programme on food safety, nutrition and packaging. The website has been developed by experts from the Indian Medical Association, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, the Indian Dietetics Association, and the National Dairy Research Institute. They also urged all mothers to log on to the website www.nutrition-quotient.com and test their own nutrition quotient.

Nutritionist Ritika Samaddar addressed mothers' queries regarding food consumption choices and said, "Lack of awareness on the importance of safe food habits leads to poor health and susceptibility to infections. The rising incidences of food adulteration and absence of proper understanding proves that there is a need for them to have access to better information. I am certain these initiatives will go a long way in doing just that." Tetra Pak® South Asia Markets MD Kandarp Singh said, "We are encouraged to see the increased participation at the seminar and are glad that mothers are slowly becoming aware of the cause of food safety. Tetra Pak®, as a responsible industry player, takes pride in the Right to Keep Food Safe campaign and the Nutrition Quotient online programme. We think this will help mothers become more aware and make safer and healthier choices for their families."

Government may challenge World Trade Organization’s order to lift ban on US poultry imports

Talks with stakeholders continue on ways to protect growing domestic poultry industry from inflow of US chicken legs, which are cheaper by about Rs 100/kg

NEW DELHI: Competitively priced American frozen chicken legs may take longer to hit the Indian market as the government is set to challenge the World Trade Organization's October order asking it to lift a ban on poultry imports from the US.

Simultaneously, the government is brainstorming with stakeholders on ways to protect the growing domestic poultry industry from the inflow of US chicken legs, which are cheaper by about Rs 100 per kg. India banned US poultry imports on account of avian influenza in 2007, a decision the WTO called 'unscientific' in its judgment.

"We are ready with our argument and will be filing an appeal in a day or two to the appellate body. We are expecting an improvement in the dispute settlement panel decision, which will help us in future," a government official said. "We are committed to protect the industry with huge employment potential and are looking at various measures to that effect. We have had a meeting with the poultry industry and breeders."

India is the fourth-largest producer of chicken in the world, after the US, China and Brazil, with an annual production of 3.5-4 million tonnes.

Last week, China banned the import of US poultry and eggs after the detection of an avian flu strain in the Pacific Northwest. More than 20 countries, including members of the EU, South Korea and South Africa, have imposed curbs on poultry from certain US states or the entire country.

With US consumers preferring chicken breasts, the less-favoured chicken legs are frozen for export to other markets at highly competitive prices. "As Russia has also banned American poultry, they are really eyeing the Indian market to sell chicken legs frozen for the last four-five years at may be Rs 40-50 a kg compared to Rs 160 -170 a kg price prevailing in India," said another official privy to the matter.

The department of commerce called a meeting that was attended by representatives of the All India Poultry Breeders' Association and others to suggest ways to protect the domestic industry and assess the grounds on which other countries have banned US poultry. But as per WTO rules, national treatment must be accorded, which means the domestic industry must be subjected to the same rules as the foreign seller.

Given that the US will export chicken legs that are four to five years old, India could restrict imports to products that are not more than six months old, said a poultry expert. "For this, FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) can come out with standards," he said. According to experts, India could also look at options such as anti-dumping duties to curb imports and use the argument that the chicken are fed with genetically modified food.

"US chicken is given genetically modified feed, which is not allowed in India. They are also injected with a lot of hormones," said an expert who asked not to be identified.The EU banned US chicken on account of chlorine treatment. An anti-dumping case could be possible but difficult."

If India files an anti-dumping case, it will have to allow US chicken for a year to assess the dumping margin or else dumping analysis can be done by apprehending the price at which US sells to different markets, which will be difficult," said the expert.

FOOD REGISTRATION LICENSING - FSSAI

About 1.75 lakh Karnataka FBO to be licenced and registered in 3 weeks

Out of the three lakh eligible food business operators (FBO) in Karnataka, about 1.25 lakh either got registered or obtained licences by December 31, 2014. Food safety officers (FSO) are gearing up to complete the remainder in the next three weeks. This figure includes businesses engaged in the wholesale supply, manufacture or import of food, among others. The state achieved this in the wake of a massive shortfall of FSO.

The total number of FBO in the state is pegged at six lakh, but 50 per cent do not come under the purview of the food licencing and registration system because they have taken the matter of complying with the Food Safety and Standards Regulations (FSSR), 2011, to court. The issue is pending with the Supreme Court. According to FSSAI estimates, the FBO in Karnataka constitute a mere one per cent of the state’s population (estimated to be six crore).

Dr H S Shivakumar, deputy director, office of the Commissioner of Food Safety and Standards, Karnataka, told, “We are now working to ensure that 1.75 lakh FBO complete the formalities of registration and licencing before February 4, 2015 as per the Centre’s orders.”

He added, “The state managed to achieve this despite the serious shortfall of FSO. The total requirement is of 210 FSO, but we have just 60. Further, there is also the need for senior FSO and other designated staff. The food safety offices across the state’s 30 districts is facing a dearth of human resources.”

“Online registration has simplified the process of registration and licencing, so FBO have a big advantage. Now FBO need not come to the food safety commissioner’s office to complete the registration and licencing process. He may also seek assistance by dialling the helpline number,” said Shivakumar.

Karnataka’s food safety commissioner has also embarked on a massive information, communication and education (IEC) drive to ensure that all the FBO are aware of the need to seek licence and registration. The objective is to motivate FBO to comprehend FSSR, 2011, and its importance. The need of the hour is to ensure the highest level of consumer satisfaction, which propels revenue generation.

Maharashtra, Gujarat, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka are leading in terms of the licencing and registration of FBO. 

“Although there are efforts by many states to seek an extension to the licencing and registration deadline, Karnataka has not sought any such request. We are now in full-throttle mode to achieve the licencing and registration of the 1.75 lakh in three weeks,” stated Shivakumar.

Administration to focus on curbing food adulteration

Mansa, January 18: Vowing to curb the food adulteration the district administration of Mansa has started creating awareness among the all concerned with selling of food products and food items. The health authorities and the district administration along with the ADC (General) Isha Kalia as chief guest, met a number of businessmen, shopkeepers, grocery store owners, street vendors and others at the Bachat Bhawan on Friday and instructed the Health Department while motivating sellers to keep a check on food adulteration.

Raising concerns about the health of the public, ADC, (General), Mansa, also requested each of the shopkeepers, milkmen, dairy owners, and others who sell food items to always give priority to health of consumer.

Earlier, Mansa ADC (General) had imposed heavy fines on those found guilty for selling substandard food. He collcted fine of total Rs 5 lakh in two months in Mansa. As adjudication officer, the ADC, Mansa, in July 2014, held three accused guilty of adulteration and imposed fine of Rs 25,000 each.

In June 2014, Satpal Kumar of Budhlada was imposed a fine after being found guilty of selling substandard milk. To increase the fat in the milk, the accused, running the dairy, used to add some powder in milk meant for consumers.

A fine of Rs 2 lakh was imposed to defaulter whereas in May, the ADC (G) imposed a fine of Rs 4.5 lakh to total four defaulters in separate cases.

“Health should not be compromised at any cost and thus, all people attached directly or indirectly with the business of food items are being motivated to give priority to health of consumers. The awareness about the Food and Safety Act was also made so that the defaulters, if any, committing the crime of food adulteration would be booked under different sections of the IPC besides being imposed a fine.”

Dr Ranjit Singh Rai, Mansa District Health Officer, said, “Food adulteration is smudge on our system and it should be curbed. Nobody has the right to play with the health of the public while the defaulters who are selling the substandard food would have face severe action. All such defaulters would be booked under different sections of the Food Safety Act 2006 and fines would be imposed on them.”

Pieces of plastic in McNuggets

Last year has been quite bumpy for fast food giant, McDonald’s. After the food safety scandal in China, the company was seen dealing with its damaged reputation and falling sales and now the customers complain about the inedible matter tucked inside their ‘happy meals’.

Recently a couple of Japanese customers reported discovering pieces of plastic inside their McNuggets. Another customer, in the same week found a vinyl strip in a chicken McNugget .These incidents brought about a halt in nugget production at a plant in Thailand owned by Cargill Inc and the company recalled close to a million nuggets in a single day. According to Chuck Warta, President of Cargill Meats the plastic film in the nugget occurred outside of our production plant. 

Recently only, a dead mouse was found in coffee in one its Canadian chains and dental material and human tooth was discovered in fries. Reports suggest food is being served with hazardous, inedible material highly harmful to the customers. 

The dipping sales are indicative of its damaged brand image and dwindling customer support. McDonald’s Corp is getting back to basics after a string of disappointing quarterly results which accounts for 30 percent of overall revenue.

No more food quality checks

Over-burdened health dept tells Centre it cannot depute its doctors to test food at hotels, eateries

Quality and safety checks at hotels and eateries across the state will take a beating as the health department has decided to withdraw itself from the testing process. Already reeling under severe shortage of doctors at its hospitals, the health department is apparently in no mood to face the music anymore by deputing its already over-burdened doctors to test food at hotels and eateries under the Food Safety and Standards Act — 2006. 

Revealing its decision, the department has dashed off a letter to the Union government to hand over the responsibility of implementing the chore to some other department. Confirming the department's decision, hHealth minister UT Khader told Bangalore Mirror that they are no more interested in testing food and supervising hotels under the Act as they are already facing a severe shortage of doctors. 

"We have already been facing lot of criticism across the state over the shortage of doctors. By deputing our doctors to test food at hotels and eateries, we do not want to burden them further with additional work of supervising under the Food Act. We will only concentrate on providing a healthy environment to people. We have communicated to the Union government to hand over the responsibility to another department like Food and Civil Supplies, which can also check quality," Khader said. 

Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, touted to be the ambitious project of the previous UPA government, had received both accolades and criticism from the public and industry stakeholders. The health department too while showing extreme interest in the Act had announced setting up of four regional laboratories across the state for checking quality of food in their jurisdiction. In fact, Khader had then announced that the department would issue health cards to all chefs and cooks of hotels and eateries. 

Against the 377 sanctioned posts for food inspectors, the health department has recruited about 117. According to sources in the health department, about 425 cases of adulteration and 225 cases of misbranding against hotels, eateries and grocery stores were booked across the state in the last four years. Out of the over three lakhs registered hotels and eateries, only about 1,000 establishments registered with the department under the Act. Also, a faction of the industry approached the High Court and obtained a three-month stay over the implementation pertaining to some of the provisions of the Act.

Food safety: Health Dept. throws up its hands

Health Minister U.T. Khader wants the Food and Civil Supplies Department to be given the responsibility of enforcing the Food Safety and Standards Act.

Khader for Food and Civil Supplies Department to enforce Act

Are you worried whether the food you order in the neighbourhood eatery is cooked hygienically by people who do not have any health problems? Your worry may not be unfounded as the State Health Department has expressed its inability to enforce the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

Health Minister U.T. Khader told presspersons on Saturday that the department was not equipped to enforce the Act as it did not have the required staff and machinery. He said the department wanted to give away the responsibility of enforcing the Act to the Food and Civil Supplies Department.

“As this is a Central Act, we will write to the Union government requesting that the Health Department in Karnataka be relieved of this responsibility,” he said.

The Minister had earlier made it mandatory for cooks and other kitchen staff in hotels to undergo a medical check-up and obtain a health card. He had mooted the idea of compulsory medical examination for kitchen staff to help curb the spread of communicable diseases from hotels.

On Saturday, he wanted the Centre to frame separate cadre and recruitment rules for enforcement of the Act.

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State requires 300 food safety inspectors, but it has only 177

There are only five government-run food-testing laboratories

‘Not enough staff to monitor food safety’

The State Health Department has expressed its inability to enforce the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 citing lack of adequate staff and machinery. “As this is a Central Act, we will write to the Centre requesting that the Health Department in Karnataka be relieved of this responsibility, Health Minister U.T. Khader has said.