No clean chit given to Nestle over safety of Maggi: FSSAI

Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, in a rare press statement, rejected findings of the Food & Drugs Laboratory of Goa as well as CFTRI, Mysore over test discrepancies.

Food safety watchdog FSSAI on Wednesday said it has not given any clean chit to Nestle 's banned Maggi noodles as it rubbished all-clear reports from two of its own empanelled labs, saying there were lapses in the tests.

Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, in a rare press statement, rejected findings of the Food & Drugs Laboratory of Goa as well as CFTRI, Mysore over test discrepancies. It also cast doubts over clean chits to Maggi noodles by UK and Singapore labs saying the Swiss food giant has not shared details of foreign test reports.

Rubbishing tests done by the Goa lab, the food regulator said food analysts at the lab had "wrongly taken the permissible limit of Lead as 10 parts per million as against the actual maximum permissible level of 2.5 ppm".

On the report of the CFTRI on the same sample, FSSAI said the Mysore lab had not tested the noodles for the banned MSG.

"It is clarified in the first instance that FSSAI has not given anyclean chit regarding the safety of Maggi Noodles," it said in the statement that followed reports that the Goa and Mysore labs have found Maggi samples safe.

FSSAI said the samples tested by labs at Goa and subsequently Mysore were primarily drawn from Nestle's Bicholim factory in Goa, which manufactures the noodles largely for exports to as many as eight countries.

"In any case, the test results of Goa samples had no bearing on the order dated 5th June, 2015 as the samples tested qua Goa were notassumed to be unsafe while passing the Recall order by FSSAI. As such, the present test reports do not have any bearing onthatorder," it said.

On reports of Maggi Noodles being found safe in UK and Singapore, the regulator said it had requested Nestle India to share details of the tests but the company "has not shared the details of the said test reports of UK and Singapore Regulators with the FSSAI stating that they do not have this information".

FSSAI said the Food Safety Department of Goa had drawn 5 samples of Maggi Noodles on its direction issued in May. These samples were first sent to Goa-based Food and Drugs Laboratory and later to Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI).

While the lead content has been found to be within permissible limits of test reports of CFTRI, FSSAI said: "A perusal of the tests results from CFTRI, Mysore shows that the said samples have not been tested for MSG."

It further said, Nestle has not responded to the show cause notice of June 5. The regulator also said that Nestle had informed earlier that all their Maggi noodles for exports to eight countries were manufactured only at the Goa factory.

"Part of the local domestic supplies, including 4 out of 5 samples tested, were also from the product manufactured at the Bicholim (Goa) factory," FSSAI said in a statement.

In June, FSSAI had banned Maggi noodles only after it found 30 samples "unsafe and hazardous for human consumption." Subsequently few also decided to ban the noodles.

FSSAI had also said that Nestle violated labelling regulations on taste enhancer 'MSG' and ordered company to submit compliance report on its orders.

FSSAI trashes all-clear reports to Maggi from Goa, Mysore

Rubbishing tests done by the Goa lab, the food regulator said food analysts at the lab had "wrongly taken the permissible limit of Lead as 10 parts per million as against the actual maximum permissible level of 2.5 ppm".

Food safety watchdog FSSAI on Wednesday said it has not given any clean chit to Nestle's banned Maggi noodles as it rubbished all-clear reports from two of its own empanelled labs, saying there were lapses in the tests.

Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, in a rare press statement, rejected findings of the Food & Drugs Laboratory of Goa as well as CFTRI, Mysore over test discrepancies. It also cast doubts over clean chits to Maggi noodles by UK and Singapore labs saying the Swiss food giant has not shared details of foreign test reports.

Rubbishing tests done by the Goa lab, the food regulator said food analysts at the lab had "wrongly taken the permissible limit of Lead as 10 parts per million as against the actual maximum permissible level of 2.5 ppm".

On the report of the CFTRI on the same sample, FSSAI said the Mysore lab had not tested the noodles for the banned MSG.

"It is clarified in the first instance that FSSAI has not given any clean chit regarding the safety of Maggi Noodles," it said in the statement that followed reports that the Goa and Mysore labs have found Maggi samples safe.

FSSAI said the samples tested by labs at Goa and subsequently Mysore were primarily drawn from Nestle's Bicholim factory in Goa, which manufactures the noodles largely for exports to as many as eight countries.

"In any case, the test results of Goa samples had no bearing on the order dated 5th June, 2015 as the samples tested qua Goa were not assumed to be unsafe while passing the Recall order by FSSAI. As such, the present test reports do not have any bearing on that order," it said.

On reports of Maggi Noodles being found safe in UK and Singapore, the regulator said it had requested Nestle India to share details of the tests but the company "has not shared the details of the said test reports of UK and Singapore Regulators with the FSSAI stating that they do not have this information".

FSSAI denies giving clean chit to Maggi

Food safety watchdog the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) on Wednesday said it had not given any clean chit to Nestle’s banned Maggi noodles even as it rubbished all-clear reports from two of its own empanelled labs, saying there were lapses in the tests.

The FSSAI, in a rare press statement, rejected the findings of the Food & Drugs Laboratory of Goa as well as CFTRI, Mysuru, over test discrepancies.

It also cast doubts over the clean chit to Maggi noodles by U.K. and Singapore labs saying the Swiss food giant has not shared details of foreign test reports.

Rubbishing tests done by the Goa lab, the food regulator said food analysts at the lab had “wrongly taken the permissible limit of lead as 10 parts per million as against the actual maximum permissible level of 2.5 ppm“.

On the report of the CFTRI on the same sample, FSSAI said the Mysuru lab had not tested the noodles for the banned MSG.

“It is clarified in the first instance that FSSAI has not given any clean chit regarding the safety of Maggi noodles,” it said in the statement that followed reports that the Goa and Mysuru labs had found Maggi samples safe.

The FSSAI said the samples tested by labs at Goa and subsequently in Mysuru were primarily drawn from Nestle’s Bicholim factory in Goa, which manufactures the noodles largely for exports to eight countries.

“In any case, the test results of Goa samples had no bearing on the order dated 5th June, 2015 as the samples tested in Goa were not assumed to be unsafe while passing the recall order by FSSAI. As such, the present test reports do not have any bearing on that order,” it said.

FSSAI - PRESS RELEASE

FSSA panel submits report, recommends harsh punishment for adulteration

The Central government has taken several steps so that quality of food products could be ensured. A committee has been constituted by the Government of India to undertake a comprehensive review of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. The committee has submitted its report to the department of health and family welfare and, amongst, others, has also made recommendations to provide for harsher punishment to any person who, whether by himself or by any other person on his behalf, adds an adulterant to food to render it injurious for human consumption with an inherent potential to cause his death or is likely to cause such harm on his body as would amount to grievous hurt, irrespective of the fact whether it causes actual injury or not. This information was given by Union health minister J P Nadda in a written reply in Rajya Sabha on Tuesday.

Laboratories available in the country to check quality of food products 

Sl. No.	Laboratory	Number
01	Referral laboratories	12
02	State/Pubic food laboratories	72
03	NABL accredited private laboratories	82
	Total	166

Company-wise information is not centrally maintained; however, as per information made available by the states/UTs, the number of cases launched (criminal/civil) and number of conviction/penalties: 

Year	Number of Cases  Launched  Criminal /Civil	Number of Conviction	Penalties/ Amount raised
2012-13	5840	3175	Rs. 5,24,95,016
2013-14	10235	913	2932/ Rs. 7,29,89,474
2014-15	9230	1355	2682/ Rs.10,64,03,414

The implementation and enforcement of Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, rests with State/UT governments. Random samples of food items are drawn by the state food safety officers and sent to the laboratories recognised by FSSAI for analysis. In cases where samples are found to be not conforming to the provisions of the Act and the Rules and Regulations made thereunder, action is taken as per the provisions of the FSS Act.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) also regularly takes up issues relating to enforcement of the provisions of the FSS Act and Regulations made thereunder with the state/UT authorities, through various communications sent to them and interactions during the meetings of the Central Advisory Committee.

Dogs for meat idea bites back, but panchayat chiefs hold firm

Animal lovers who have no problem with the sale and export of meat of other animals should not be opposing it in the case of dogs alone, says K.R. Jayakumar.

It’s illegal, say activists. We will go for it, say Panchayat presidents

Animal rights activists are incensed over the idea of exporting dog meat as a one-stop measure for curbing the State’s stray dog population. They say it is illegal to do so. But the Ernakulam District Grama Panchayats Presidents’ Association, which had suggested that street dogs be exported to places like the north-eastern States, South Korea and China, where dog meat is consumed, is not backing off yet.

Highlighting the illegality of the resolution, N.G. Jayasimha, a member of the Animal Welfare Board of India, has written to M.K. Muneer, the State Minister for Panchayats and Social Welfare, seeking to advice the local bodies to implement animal birth control activities than resorting to “illegal, unscientific and illogical ideas such as trade in dog meat.”

The idea of exporting dog meat and/or establishing dog farms for the purpose of export or domestic consumption is entirely illegal. The Meat and Meat Products Order, 1973, has prescribed that ovines (sheep), caprines (goats) suillines (pigs) and bovines (cattle) and poultry shall be slaughtered for meat.

No license can be issued to manufacture meat which does not belong to the animals specified in the legislation, he said.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has expressly prohibited slaughtering of animals, except the ovines, caprines, suillines, bovines and poultry, he said.

‘Not an odd proposal’

The local body heads, however, are not convinced there is anything wrong with their ‘dog for meat’ proposal, and claim it has statewide backing, from other panchayats too.

The proposal unanimously passed by panchayat presidents in Ernakulam found resonance at the association’s State level meet held at Thiruvananthapuram on Tuesday.

“It received good response from local body heads from across the State since an urgent solution to the stray dog menace needs to be found. We would place the proposal before the State government,” P.K. Chandrasekharan Nair, vice-president of Ernakulam district association, who moved the proposal, told The Hindu .

K.R. Jayakumar, who initially moved the proposal at the district association meeting said that it was for the Central and State governments to put their heads together to remove the legal hurdles in implementing it. He said that local bodies with their hands tied on tackling the issue of stray dogs in the face of court orders and belligerent animal lovers are at their wits end.

“Dog meat is in demand in countries like the Philippines and China and is even consumed within the country in the northeast. Animal lovers who have no problem with the sale and export of meat of other animals should not be opposing it in the case of dogs alone,” Mr. Jayakumar said.

Birth control not practical

The idea of animal birth control is not practical for two reasons: it’s costly, and there is the possibility of stiff opposition from local people against releasing back sterilised dogs caught from their areas, Mr. Jayakumar said.

Besides, sterilisation of stray dogs could lead to imbalance between local and pedigreed breeds in the long run, according to him.

M.A.M. Muneer, Edathala panchayat president, who had seconded the proposal at the Ernakulam district meet, said that it may even spur dog farming on an industrial scale just as in the case of poultry and cattle. “We stand firm by the proposal no matter what the consequences may be,” he said.

Gujarat extends ban on Maggi noodles by a month

Says company has not furnished any safety data for the product as per FSSAI rules

Gujarat Food and Drug Control Authority has extended the ban on Maggi noodles for third time in a row for a month as its manufacturer Nestle did not furnish any safety data for the product.

"We have extended ban (on Maggi) for one more month as the company (Nestle) has not furnished any safety data for that product (Maggi), as per the Food Safety Standard Act and the rules and regulations there under," Gujarat Food and Drug Control Authority Commissioner H G Koshia told PTI, when asked about extension of ban on Maggi noodles.

"Once the report was given that the product (Maggi) was unsafe, we served notice to the company (Nestle) seeking their report on products as we found 28 samples unsafe in Gujarat," Koshia said.

"Till date the company (Nestle) is only furnishing their day-to-day recall saying by now they have recalled 471 tonnes of Maggi from Gujarat," he said.

"But that is not full compliance, they must establish safety of the product and they have failed to do so, that is why we have extended ban for one month," he said.

Yesterday, the FSSAI-approved laboratory of Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI) found Maggi noodles to be in compliance with the country's food safety standards.

CFTRI had tested five samples sent by Goa Food and Drug Administration (FDA) when Maggi was banned in June, in the wake of findings in Uttar Pradesh and other states that the instant noodles brand had lead levels beyond permissible limits.

The CFTRI findings showed that samples of Maggi noodles were in compliance with the Food Safety and Standards Rules, 2011.

Just 11,000 food operators enroll as deadline ends

Chennai:

The ban on Maggi has created renewed awareness on food quality among customers but seems to have done little to put the fear in the minds of food operators.The deadline for enrolling with the food safety department expired on Tuesday but very few food operators in the city have enrolled.

The food safety department does not have a count of the exact number of food operators but officials say they have identified 22,424 and that less than 11,000 have enrolled so far.

“Nearly 6,500 food operators in the city got licences and close to 4,000 have registered so far. The deadline for enrollment has been extended five times but many operators are not taking the act seriously . We have not been able to take action against eateries selling unhygienic ood because of the extensions,“ said an official. The department has just 25 food safety inspectors to monitor thousands of businesses.

The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 set new icensing and registration norms for food businesses -hotels, restaurants, canteens, hostels, roadside eateries, dairy shops, tea shops, meat shops, juice shops and vegetable and fruits vendors. The Act was implemented in August 2011. The Centre extended the dead ine multiple times because operators resisted the rules or mandatory registration and licensing. Tamil Nadu Hotels' Association secreta ry R Srinivasan said the Act is too stringent. “Studies show there is severe pesti cide content in vegetables but the Act mandates penal ties to those selling food. We hope the Centre will extend the deadline and amend the Act after consulting with food operators,“ he said.

Many roadside vendors said they were unaware of the Act. “I have not heard anything about registering with the food safety depart ment. Ideally , they should conduct camps for this,“ said a vendor in Saidapet.

Activists said lack of awareness could be a reason for poor compliance. “The government will not have any control over food operators if there is no licensing system. The government should implement the Act immediately to safeguard customers,“ an activist said.

Ban on food supplement

The Commissioner of Food Safety has banned the storage, distribution and sale a brand of food supplement, ‘Pulmo Plus’, in Kerala, following several complaints from the public about the poor quality of the product, which was later confirmed by food safety officials through laboratory analysis.

In a statement here, the Commissioner, T.V. Anupama, said the product had been tested by her department in laboratories following three specific complaints from consumers that the product had been infested with insects, live and dead, as well as insect larvae. The food safety officials, on physical examination of the product and on lab analysis, found that the complaint was true. The product, manufactured by M/s British Biologicals, Bengaluru, is a proprietary health supplement prescribed by doctors for improving general health in children. The ban will be in place for a period of one year from August 3 or until the required food safety measures are taken by the manufacturer and certified by the Commissioner of Food Safety, Karnataka, where the product is manufactured.

Veggie traders rush for food safety docus

COIMBATORE: Vegetable and fruits traders in Tamil Nadu are racing against time to obtain licences and registration certificates from the state food safety department to be eligible to transport and sell their produce in Kerala.

The state horticulture department in Coimbatore confirmed that 223 wholesale vegetable traders have been issued licenses and 30 small-scale wholesalers have been registered since Monday last week.

"We, along with the food safety department, have set up camps on and off in many markets like Thyagi Kumaram Market, Ottanchathiram Market, MGR Market, Mettupalayam Market and Pollachi Market," said deputy director of horticulture department, A Ramakrishnan.

The food safety department is conducting camps in all major fruits and vegetables markets in the districts to issue these mandatory permits. The move comes in the wake of its Kerala counterpart making food safety license or registration compulsory for any trader selling food items to or within the neighbouring state. A sizeable chunk of Tamil Nadu's fruit and vegetable produce is sent to Kerala daily. Coimbatore district alone sends about 200 tonnes of vegetables while Oddanchatram market in Dindigul supplies about 500 tonnes daily to Kerala. Kerala would start enforcing its order mandating the documents from traders from Wednesday.

The Kerala government has informed the traders that the food safety license or registration under the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006 will be demanded at all check-posts through which vegetables and fruits cross over into their state. However, officers in Kerala's side of the Walayar check post say that trucks were not inspected by food safety officers on Tuesday.

Wholesalers in markets who missed their date with food safety officers, are flocking to the food safety department's headquarters on Race Course Road to apply for these licenses. "We have put up notices in all the markets informing traders about this rule. So, many farmers and traders have been approaching us directly for licenses," said designated food safety officer, Dr R Kathiravan.

This rule had mixed response among big traders across the state. While a majority of the traders in Ottanchathiram market, in Dindigul, felt that the new license and registration was "unnecessary", a few traders in Coimbatore did not mind. "This could lead to unnecessary complications and more hassles for traders," said the president of the Ottanchathiram market, K Thangavel. "We do not know why such a measure is being taken all of a sudden, though we have sending vegetables for ages," he said. "However, this license qualifies us as "traders" and it will help during loan applications," he added.

Traders also said that making food safety licenses and registrations compulsory was not going to make their vegetables any safer. "For a food safety license, people just check for our tax receipts, address, location of the shop and the owner's identity proof. They don't even talk or check for pesticide content," said Thangavel.

Food safety certificates for veggies going to other States

Food Safety Officers on Tuesday began issuing licences to vegetable and fruit vendors in the city under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

After reports of pesticide residue in vegetables supplied to Kerala, the Tamil Nadu government decided to issue food safety certification before the produce was sent to the neighbouring States.

R. Kathiravan, Designated Officer of Tamil Nadu Food Safety and Drug Administration Department (Food Safety Wing), issued the certificates to 30 vendors on Tuesday.

As many as 242 vendors and traders have applied so far for the licenses, which would be issued after physical verification of the shop and the documents.

A camp to collect applications from vegetable vendors was organised here on Friday by the Departments of Agriculture, Agri-Marketing and Horticulture besides the Food Safety Wing. These departments are also part of a committee formed by District Administration to tackle the issue of excess pesticides in vegetables and fruits.

District Collector Archana Patnaik is the chairperson of the Committee, which has been mandated to conduct awareness among farmers about the adverse effects of using excess fertilisers and chemicals for crops.

As many as 242 vendors and traders have applied so far for the licenses, which would be issued after physical verification of the shop and the documents.

உரிமம் பெறாத வாகனங்களுக்கு தடை உத்தரவு அமல் காய்கறிகள் வழக்கம்போல் கேரளா சென்றன

கோவை, ஆக. 5:

உணவு பாது காப்பு துறை யில் பதிவு செய் யாத தமி ழக காய் கறி லாரி கள் கேர ளா விற் குள் நுழைய விதிக் கப் பட்டுள்ள தடை நேற்று அம லுக்கு வந் தது. இருப் பி னும் கேரள லாரி கள் அதிக அள வில் தமி ழ கத் திற்கு வந்து காய் க றி களை ஏற் றிச் சென் ற தால். பாதிப்பு ஏற் பட வில்லை என காய் கறி வியா பா ரி கள் தெரி வித் த னர்.

காய் க றி கள், பழங் கள் உட் பட பெரும் பா லான உணவு பொருட் கள் தமிழ் நாடு, கர் நா டகா மற் றும் ஆந் திரா ஆகிய மாநி லத் தில் இருந்து கேர ளா வுக்கு செல் கி றது. இந் நி லை யில், தமிழ் நாடு மற் றும் வெளி மா நி லங் களில் இருந்து காய் க றி கள், பழங் களை கேர ளா வுக்கு கொண்டு செல் லும் வாக னங் கள் உணவு பாது காப்பு துறை யில் ஆகஸ்ட் 4ம் தேதிக் குள்(நேற்று) உரி மச் சான் றி தழ் பெற வேண் டும் என கேரள அரசு அறி வித் தது. இதை தொடர்ந்து தமி ழ கத் தில் இருந்து கேரளா செல் லும் காய் கறி லாரி வாக னங் களுக்கு உணவு பாது காப்பு துறை யின் மூலம் உரி மச் சான் றி தழ் வழங் கப் பட்டு வரு கி றது. கோவை மாவட்டத் தில் கார மடை ஜடை யம் பா ளை யம் மார்க் கெட், செஞ் சே ரி மலை மார்க் கெட், கிணத் துக் க டவு மார்க் கெட், நாச் சி பா ளை யம் மார்க் கெட், பொள் ளாச்சி காந் தி மார்க் கெட், கோவை எம் ஜி ஆர் மார் கெட் பகு தி களி லி ருந்து தின மும் 300 முதல் 400 டன் வரை காய் கறி மற் றும் பழங் கள் கேர ளா விற்கு வாக னங் கள் மூலம் ஏற் றிச் செல் லப் ப டு கி றது. கேரள அர சின் அறி விப்பை தொடர்ந்து கோவை மாவட்ட காய் கறி வியா பா ரி கள் உணவு பாது காப்பு துறை யின் மூலம் வழங் கப் ப டும் வாக னத் திற் கான உரி மம் பெற விண் ணப் பித்து வரு கின் ற னர். இதில் பதிவு மற் றும் உரி மம் கோரி சிறு மற் றும் பெரு வியா பா ரி களி ட மி ருந்து 200 விண் ணப் பங் கள் பெறப் பட்டுள் ளது. விண் ணப் பித் த வர் களுக்கு இன் னும் 2 நாட் களில் பதிவு மற் றும் உரி மம் வழங் கப் ப டும் என உணவு பாது காப்பு துறை அதி கா ரி கள் தெரி வித் துள் ள னர்.

இந் நி லை யில், நேற்று கோவை மாவட்டத் தி லி ருந்து வழக் கம் போல் கேர ளா விற்கு காய் க றி கள் அனுப் பட்டது. இது குறித்து கோவை மாவட்ட மொத்த அனைத்து காய் கறி வியா பா ரி கள் சங்க செய லா ளர் அப் துல் அ ஜீஸ் கூறு கை யில், தமி ழ கத் தி லி ருந்து கேர ளா விற்கு அனுப் ப டும் காய் கறி வாக னங் களுக்கு உரி மம் சான்று கோரப் பட்டு வரு கி றது. தற் போது வரை கோவை மாவட்டத் தில் சிலர் மட்டுமே சான்று பெற் றுள் ள னர். இத னால் பாதிப்பு ஏதும் இல்லை. ஏனெ னில் 90 சத வீத கேரள வியா பா ரி கள் தங் களின் சொந்த வாக னங் கள் மூலம் கோவை யி லி ருந்து காய் க றி களை எடுத்து செல் கின் ற னர். இதற் காக கேரள அர சின் உணவு பாது காப் பு து றை யி ட மி ருந்து பதிவு மற் றும் உரி மச் சான் றி தழ் கள் பெற் றுள் ள னர். கோவை யி லி ருந்து 10 சத வீ தம் பேர் மட்டுமே கேர ளா விற்கு லாரி கள் மூலம் லோடு அனுப் பு கின் ற னர். கோவை யி லி ருந்து 300க்கும் மேற் பட்ட லாரி கள் மூலம் கேர ளா விற்கு லோடு அனுப் ப டு கி றது. இதில் 30க்கும் குறை வான லாரி கள் மட்டுமே கோவை மாவட்ட வியா பா ரி களை சார்ந் தது. மீத முள்ள அனைத்து லாரி களும் கேரள வியா பா ரி களின் சொந்த வாக னம் ஆகும்.

எனவே கேரள அர சின் இந்த உத் த ர வால் தமி ழக வியா பா ரி களுக்கு எந்த பாதிப் பும் இல்லை என் றும், கோவை யி லி ருந்து வழக் கம் போல் கேர ளா விற்கு காய் க றி கள் அனுப் பட்டு வரு வ தா க வும் தெரி வித் தார்.

DINAMALAR NEWS

DINAMALAR NEWS

Viagra in your alcohol? China investigating liquor suppliers in latest food-safety scare

Food safety is a chronic problem in China and public anxiety over cases of fake or toxic food often spreads quickly.

Chinese police are investigating if two distillers in the southwestern region of Guangxi added impotence treatment drug Viagra to their liquor in the latest food-safety scare in China.

The Liuzhou Food and Drug Administration said that it found the Guikun Alcohol Plant and the Deshun Alcohol Plant in Guangxi’s Liuzhou city were putting Sildenafil, more commonly known as Viagra, into three of their baijiu products.

Baijiu is a fiery grain liquor that commands high prices in China.

Law enforcement officers have confiscated 5,357 bottles of the suspect products, 1,124 kg of raw alcohol and a batch of white powder labeled Sildenafil, in a case worth more than 700,000 yuan ($112,726), according to a statement posted by the Liuzhou Food and Drug Administration on its website on Saturday.

The case has been transferred to the police, the statement said.

The products were all marketed as having health-preserving qualities, it said.

Food safety is a chronic problem in China and public anxiety over cases of fake or toxic food often spreads quickly.

In June, state media said Chinese customs have seized around 3 billion yuan ($483 million) worth of smuggled meat, some more than 40 years old and rotting, the latest in a grim series of food safety scares.

In 2013, Chinese police said they broken a crime ring that passed off more than $1 million in rat and small mammal meat as mutton.

'18 per cent of food samples tested found to be adulterated'

Around 18 per cent of the food samples tested for violation of food safety standards in past three years were found to be adulterated, Rajya Sabha was informed today. 

In a written reply, Health and Family Welfare Minister JP Nadda said that out of 69949, 72200 and 60548 food samples analysed during 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2014-15, respectively, 10380 (14.8 per cent), 13571 (18.8 per cent) and 12077 (19.9 per cent) samples were found to be adulterated or misbranded. 

"As per the conditions of license prescribed in the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulation, 2011, all Food Business Operators have to ensure testing of relevant chemical and/or microbiological contaminants in food products in accordance with these regulations as frequently as required," he said. 

In another reply, Nadda said that a committee has been constituted to undertake a comprehensive review of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. 

"The committee has submitted its report to the department of Health and Family Welfare and, amongst others, has also made recommendations to provide for harsher punishment to any person who, whether by himself or by any other person on his behalf, adds an adulterant to food to render it injurious for human consumption," the minister said.

DINAMALAR NEWS

Mysuru laboratory says Nestle Maggi is safe

The Food Referral Laboratory, CFTRI, Mysuru has confirmed that Nestle's Maggi products confirm to the stipulated standards.The State Food Drugs Authority (FDA), which conducted tests on the instant noodles samples, had earlier cleared the product for safety.

Goa FDA Director Salim Veljee said on Monday that consequent to the issue of the quality of the Nestle's Maggi noodles variant in May/June, the State FDA Goa Laboratory at Bambolim in north Goa had initially tested/analysed five samples of Nestle's Maggi two minutes noodles products and same were reported to be conforming to the stipulated standards in terms of lead content and MSG as laid down under the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and the Rules/Regulation 2011.

However, he recalled that on account of some apprehensions expressed about the reliability / accuracy/ credibility of the results of analysis conducted by the State FDA Goa Laboratory, the samples of these noodles were subjected for a re-analysis of the said five Maggi noodle products at the Goa State Pollution Control Board laboratory in the city the results of which were found to be consistent with the findings of the Goa FDA Lab in declaring the lead contents to be below the permissible limit of 2.5 ppm and negative for MSG.

Subsequently in mid-June as required under Rule 2.4.3 of the Food Safety and Standards Rules 2011, the other sealed samples portions of these same 5 Maggi noodles samples were forwarded to the Appellate.

Food Referral Laboratory, CFTRI, Mysuru, an FSSAI approved/notified NABL accredited Food Testing Laboratory and the test reports from CFTRI.

Mr. Veljee, however, hastened to add that this does not in any manner give any clean chit to the company for their products and we fully respect the analytical findings of other State Laboratory in this regards based on the analysis of the samples that were drawn by the enforcement officials in those other States and tested/analysed by such other State Laboratories.

He said he had to come out with the CFTRI findings to clear any apprehension in public mind about Goa State FDA laboratory.

Clean chit to Haldirams

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration has given a clean chit to Haldiram snacks after testing samples for possible excess lead levels.

Results of Mysuru lab show Maggi noodles safe

Goa FDA had sent samples for a third test to FSSAI-approved lab after the regulator rejected its findings

One-and-a-half months after Goa's Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) had sent five samples of Maggi noodles for re-test at Mysuru's Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI), the findings show the product adheres to the requirements of the Food Safety and Standards Rules, 2011.

One of the most credible food referral labs in India, CFTRI is approved by the central regulator, Food Safety & Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). Earlier, FSSAI had declared the Goa FDA findings 'questionable', following a test of the same samples and had ordered recall of Maggi from store shelves all over the country based on results showing contamination by some four-five states. The Goa FDA, like CFTRI, had not found any contamination in the samples.

The lead content in all these five samples has been reported to be well below the permissible limit and the level of monosodium glutamate, or MSG, is negative when analysis was performed separately on the noodles and tastemaker by the Mysuru lab, said an official with the Goa FDA.

CFTRI did not respond to emailed queries on the findings. A CFTRI official, who did not wish to be named, said the lab authorities could not speak on the matter as it was sub-judice. Nestle India, the maker of Maggi noodles, took FSSAI to court over its order to recall the product and stop production in the country. The case is on at the Bombay High Court.

The Goa FDA was perhaps the only state organisation to get a third test done on Maggi noodles. The idea was to restore 'credibility' of the state laboratory in Goa by getting the samples tested at the nationally accredited institute in Mysuru, which is seen as a food referral lab of the longest standing.

Salim A Veljee, director, Goa FDA, had earlier told Business Standard: "We are complying with the recall order of FSSAI. But we have sent the samples to Mysuru for counter-verification. This is only to reinforce our (Goa) lab's credibility."

Following the test at the state government's food lab, the Goa FDA had got a second analysis done at the state pollution control board. Both showed permissible lead content. However, in the results sent to FSSAI, the Goa FDA did not mention the exact quantum of lead as "it was much below the permissible level", according to Veljee. FSSAI called the Goa test result questionable because the lead level was not mentioned.

According to the Goa FDA, the latest findings "do not in any manner give any clean chit to the company (Nestle India) for their products and we fully respect the analytical findings of other state laboratories in this regards based on the analysis of the samples that were drawn by the enforcement officials in those other states and received/ analysed by such other state laboratories.''

Many other countries including Singapore, the UK, and Canada found Maggi noodles to be safe for consumption. FSSAI, however, had termed it 'hazardous' for human consumption.

DC reviews implementation of Food Safety Act

Srinagar:

In order to ensure availability of quality food products to general people, Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar, Dr. Farooq Ahmed Lone convened a meeting of officers of Food Safety Department here today and also reviewed the implementation of Food SafetyAct.

The meeting was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar, Assistant Commissioner Food Safety, Health Officer SMC and other concerned officers.

Dr Lone directed the Food Safety Department to regularly inspect establishments dealing with food products in Srinagar and intensify market checking.

He also reviewed the status of implementation of Food Safety Act in Srinagar.

Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner was informed that out of 94 cases submitted before the competent court, 20 cases have been filed for selling food articles found in insanitary conditions and remaining 74 cases have been for violations under the Food Safety and Standards Act.

The meeting informed that 107 samples were declared as sub-standard and food articles worth Rs. 18.12 lakh have been seized during the inspection by the Food Safety department from November, 2014 to July, 2015. It was also informed that the department has recovered Rs. 3.74 lakh as fine from the food business operators.

200 traders apply for licence to supply veggies to Kerala

Deadline to obtain the same is August 5

Food safety department officials have started taking efforts to monitor the pesticide content in vegetables sent to Kerala from Coimbatore. In one such move, they are educating the traders on the need to obtain the registration certificate or licence, based on the quantum of business they are doing.

This effort has been taken after the Government of Kerala made it mandatory for wholesale traders from other States to obtain the certificate or licence before August 5 to continue sending fruits and vegetables to Kerala.

According to Food Safety Wing Designated Officer (Coimbatore) R. Kathiravan less than 20 traders in Coimbatore have obtained the licence so far.

The officer told The Hindu that a special one-day camp was organised at six places on July 31 for the traders and commission agents. “Two hundred traders obtained challan to pay for the licence or certificate at the camps held at MGR Market and TK Market in the city and at Mettupalayam, Pollachi, Kinathukadavu and Sultanpet Markets,” he said.

Arrangements have been made at 15 browsing centres located near the markets to help traders apply online for the licence or certificate. The applicants would then be issued the certificate on Tuesday — a day ahead of the deadline for obtaining the same. It is learnt that MGR Market on Mettupalayam Road in the city sends 750 tonnes of various vegetables from Coimbatore, Mettupalayam and Ooty and onions from Nasik (Maharashtra) and Bellary (Karnataka) to Kerala. The licence would first be given to the traders there before it is issued to traders supplying locally.

According to an official, providing the certificate is the first step to monitor the quality of vegetables sent to Kerala through Coimbatore. Food safety officials would then collect vegetables samples from traders and send it for testing. There is no facility to test vegetables for pesticide residues in Coimbatore. Collected samples will be sent to the National Accreditation Board Laboratories (NABL).

New import norms on the anvil for US chicken legs

Food safety body may ban import of chickens older than six months and those fed with GM feed

MUMBAI, AUGUST 2: 

The Indian consumers’ liking for chicken leg piece may ruffle a few feathers in the poultry industry with the Centre looking to frame import norms that would allow chicken imports from the US.

The fear of cheaper US chicken leg pieces flooding the market and use of genetically modified feeds such as corn and soyabean are major concerns for Indian industry. Genetically modified crops are banned in India.

There is not much demand for leg pieces in the US and it does not find a market despite being sold at deep discount. While the chicken is sold at $6 a piece, there are not many takers for the legs even at less than $1 (₹63). In India, chicken legs cost about ₹250 ($3.9) a kg.

The demand for chicken legs in the US is so weak that it is left with stockpiles of 3-4 years, particularly after most Asian countries restricted chicken imports from the US. Incidentally, India last month lost an appeal at World Trade Organisation against ban on chicken imports from the US.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India is, therefore, setting new import norms which may kick in within six months. It may include ban on import of American chickens older than six months and those fed with genetically modified feed. “We can compete with the US if it exports the entire chicken. The concern is only if it tries to push the legs which are not in great demand there. While the cost of imported chicken would be $4 a piece, the legs can land at $1 or even less,” said Babanrao Shinde, a poultry farmer.

Large scale imports from the US will bring the unorganised poultry industry to its knees as they already face many challenges such as high feed prices and falling realisations, said an official of a poultry company and added that the frequent outbreak of bird flu and subsequent fall in demand is also a drag.

உணவு பாதுகாப்பு துறை உரிமச் சான்று இல்லாத வாகனங்கள் நாளை முதல் கேரளாவுக்குள் நுழைய தடை கோவையில் 150 வியாபாரிகள் சான்று கோரி விண்ணப்பம்

கோவை, ஆக. 3:

உணவு பாது காப்பு துறை யில் பதிவு செய் யாத தமி ழக காய் கறி லாரி களுக்கு ஆகஸ்ட் 4ம்(நாளை) தேதிக்கு பிறகு கேர ளா விற் குள் நுழைய தடை வி திக் கப் ப டும் என்ற அறி விப்பை தொடர்ந்து வாகன உரி மச் சான்று பெற சொந் த மாக வாக னம் பயன் ப டுத் தும் வியா பா ரி கள் மற் றும் வாடகை லாரி உரி மை யா ளர் கள் விண் ணப் பித்து வரு கின் ற னர்.

காய் க றி கள், பழங் கள் உட் பட பெரும் பா லான உணவு பொருட் கள் தமிழ் நாடு, கர் நா டகா மற் றும் ஆந் திரா ஆகிய மாநி லத் தில் இருந்து கேர ளா வுக்கு செல் கி றது. இந் நி லை யில், தமிழ் நாடு மற் றும் வெளி மா நி லங் களில் இருந்து காய் க றி கள், பழங் களை கேர ளா வுக்கு கொண்டு செல் லும் வாக னங் கள் உணவு பாது காப்பு துறை யில் உரி மச் சான் றி தழ் பெற வேண் டும். இது தொடர் பாக கேரள சுகா தா ரத் துறை அமைச் சர் சிவ கு மார் ஆகஸ்ட் 4ம் தேதிக் குள் உணவு பாது காப்பு துறை யில் பதிவு செய்து லைசன்ஸ் வாங் கா விட்டால் தமி ழ கம் உட் பட பிற மாநி லங் களில் இருந்து வரும் காய் கறி லாரி கள் கேர ளா வுக் குள் அனு ம திக் கப் ப ட மாட்டாது என வும் தெரி வித் துள் ளார்.

இதனை தொடர்ந்து தமி ழ கத் தில் இருந்து கேரளா செல் லும் காய் கறி லாரி வாக னங் களுக்கு உணவு பாது காப்பு துறை யின் மூலம் உரி மச் சான் றி தழ் வழங் கப் பட்டு வரு கி றது.

கோவை மாவட்டத் தில் கார மடை ஐடை யம் பா ளை யம் மார்க் கெட், செஞ் சே ரி மலை மார்க் கெட், கிணத் துக் க டவு மார் கெட், நாச் சி பா ளை யம் மார்க் கெட், பொள் ளாச்சி காந் தி மார்க் கெட், கோவை எம் ஜி ஆர் மார் கெட் பகு தி களி லி ருந்து தின மும் 300 முதல் 400 டன் வரை காய் கறி மற் றும் பழங் கள் கேர ளா விற்கு வாக னங் கள் மூலம் ஏற் றிச் செல் லப் ப டு கி றது. இதில் பல வியா பா ரி கள் சொந் த மாக வாக னங் களை இயக்கி வரு கின் ற னர். இது த விர பல வியா பா ரி கள் ஒன்ற சேர்ந்து வாட கைக்கு லாரி உள் ளிட்ட வாக னங் களை காய் கறி ஏற்றி செல்ல பயன் ப டுத்தி வரு கின் ற னர். கேரள அர சின் அறி விப்பை தொடர்ந்து கோவை மாவட்ட காய் கறி வியா பா ரி களி ட மி ருந்து 150 விண் ணப் பங் கள் பெறப் பட்டுள் ளது.

இது குறித்து உணவு பாது காப்பு துறை அதி கா ரி கள் கூறு கை யில்,

கோவை மாவட்டத் தில் காய் கறி ஏற் றிச் செல் லும் அனைத்து வாக னங் களுக் கும் உரி மம் வழங் கப் ப டு வ து டன் அதனை முறை யாக பதிவு செய் ய வும் உத் த ர வி டப் பட்டுள் ளது.ஏனெ னில் இந்த உரி மச் சான் றிழ் காய் கறி எங் கி ருந்து கொண் டு வ ரப் ப டு கி றது என்ற விப ரம் கணி னி யில் பதிவு செய் யப் ப டும். எனவே, கேர ளா விற்கு காய் க றி களை கொண்டு செல் லும் வாகன உரி மை யா ளர் கள் உரி மம் பெற் றுக் கொள் வது அவ சி யம்.

தற் போது, வரை கோவை மாவட்டத் தில் 150 பேரி ட மி ருந்து விண் ணப் பங் கள் பெறப் பட்டுள் ளது. இவர் களுக்கு இன்று உரி மம் வழங் கப் ப டும். இது வரை விண் ணப் பிக் கா த வர் கள் கோவை ரேஸ் கோர்ஸ் பகு தி யில் உள்ள உணவு பாது காப்பு துறை அலு வ ல கத் தில் உரிய ஆவ ணங் கள், அடை யாள அட்டை, இரண்டு புகைப் ப டங் களை சமர்ப் பித்து ரூ.100 கட்ட ண மாக செலுத்தி உரி மத்தை பெற் றுக் கொள் ள லாம். இந்த உரி மம் பெறா த வர் களின் வாக னங் கள் நாளை முதல் கேர ளா விற்கு செல்ல அனு மதி மறுக் கப் ப டும் என வும் தெரி வித் த னர்.

தமிழக காய்கறி லாரிகள் கேரளா செல்ல தடை உணவு பாதுகாப்பு உரிமம் பெறாத நாளை முதல் அமலுக்கு வருகிறது

கோவை, ஆக. 3-

உணவு பாது காப்பு துறை யில் பதிவு செய் யாத தமி ழக காய் கறி லாரி கள் கேர ளா வில் நுழைய நாளை முதல் தடை விதிக் கப் ப டு கி றது. பலர் இன் னும் உரி மம் பெறாத நிலை யில், கோவை யில் இருந்து காய் க றி கள் செல் வது தடை ப டும் நிலை ஏற் பட்டுள் ளது.

காய் க றி கள், பழங் கள் உட் பட பெரும் பா லான உணவு பொருட் கள் தமிழ் நாடு, கர் நா டகா மற் றும் ஆந் திரா ஆகிய மாநி லத் தில் இருந்து கேர ளா வுக்கு செல் கி றது. இந் நி லை யில், காய் க றி களில் அதிக நச் சுத் தன்மை இருப் ப தாக கண் ட றி யப் பட்டதை தொடர்ந்து தமிழ் நாடு மற் றும் வெளி மா நி லங் களில் இருந்து காய் க றி கள், பழங் களை கேர ளா வுக்கு கொண்டு செல் லும் வாக னங் கள் உணவு பாது காப்பு துறை யில் உரி மச் சான் றி தழ் பெற வேண் டும் என கேரள அரசு அறி வித் தது.

இது தொடர் பாக கேரள சுகா தா ரத் துறை அமைச் சர் சிவ கு மார் ஆகஸ்ட் 4ம் தேதிக் குள் உணவு பாது காப்பு துறை யில் பதிவு செய்து லைசன்ஸ் வாங் கா விட்டால் தமி ழ கம் உட் பட பிற மாநி லங் களில் இருந்து வரும் காய் கறி லாரி கள் கேர ளா வுக் குள் அனு ம திக் கப் ப ட மாட்டாது என வும் தெரி வித் துள் ளார்.

இதனை தொடர்ந்து தமி ழ கத் தில் இருந்து கேரளா செல் லும் காய் கறி லாரி வாக னங் களுக்கு உணவு பாது காப்பு துறை யின் மூலம் உரி மச் சான் றி தழ் வழங் கப் பட்டு வரு கி றது.

கோவை மாவட்டத் தில் கார மடை ஐடை யம் பா ளை யம் மார்க் கெட், செஞ் சே ரி மலை மார்க் கெட், கிணத் துக் க டவு மார் கெட், நாச் சி பா ளை யம் மார்க் கெட், பொள் ளாச்சி காந் தி மார்க் கெட், கோவை எம் ஜி ஆர் மார் கெட் பகு தி களி லி ருந்து தின மும் 300 முதல் 400 டன் வரை காய் கறி மற் றும் பழங் கள் கேர ளா விற்கு வாக னங் கள் மூலம் ஏற் றிச் செல் லப் ப டு கி றது. இதில் பல வியா பா ரி கள் சொந் த மாக வாக னங் களை இயக்கி வரு கின் ற னர்.

இது த விர பல வியா பா ரி கள் ஒன்று சேர்ந்து வாட கைக்கு லாரி உள் ளிட்ட வாக னங் களை காய் கறி ஏற்றி செல்ல பயன் ப டுத்தி வரு கின் ற னர். கேரள அர சின் அறி விப்பை தொடர்ந்து கோவை மாவட்ட காய் கறி வியா பா ரி களி ட மி ருந்து 150 விண் ணப் பங் கள் பெறப் பட்டுள் ளது.

இது குறித்து உணவு பாது காப்பு துறை அதி கா ரி கள் கூறு கை யில்,

கோவை மாவட்டத் தில் காய் கறி ஏற் றிச் செல் லும் அனைத்து வாக னங் களுக் கும் உரி மம் வழங் கப் ப டு வ து டன் அதனை முறை யாக பதிவு செய் ய வும் உத் த ர வி டப் பட்டுள் ளது. ஏனெ னில் இந்த உரி மச் சான் றிழ் காய் கறி எங் கி ருந்து கொண் டு வ ரப் ப டு கி றது என்ற விப ரம் கணி னி யில் பதிவு செய் யப் ப டும்.

எனவே, கேர ளா விற்கு காய் க றி களை கொண்டு செல் லும் வாகன உரி மை யா ளர் கள் உரி மம் பெற் றுக் கொள் வது அவ சி யம். தற் போது, வரை கோவை மாவட்டத் தில் 150 பேரி ட மி ருந்து விண் ணப் பங் கள் பெறப் பட்டுள் ளது. இவர் களுக்கு இன்று உரி மம் வழங் கப் ப டும்.

இது வரை விண் ணப் பிக் கா த வர் கள் கோவை ரேஸ் கோர்ஸ் பகு தி யில் உள்ள உணவு பாது காப்பு துறை அலு வ ல கத் தில் உரிய ஆவ ணங் கள், அடை யாள அட்டை, இரண்டு புகைப் ப டங் களை சமர்ப் பித்து ரூ.100 கட்ட ண மாக செலுத்தி உரி மத்தை பெற் றுக் கொள் ள லாம். இந்த உரி மம் பெறா த வர் களின் வாக னங் கள் நாளை முதல் கேர ளா விற்கு செல்ல அனு மதி மறுக் கப் ப டும் என வும் தெரி வித் த னர்.

கோவை மாவட்டத் தில் மேட்டுப் பா ளை யம் மற் றும் கிணத் துக் க ட வில் இருந் து தான் அதி க ள வி லான காய் க றி கள் கேர ளா வுக்கு கொண்டு செல் லப் ப டு கி றது. இன் னும் ஏரா ள மான வியா பா ரி கள் உரி மம் கேட்டு விண் ணப் பிக் கா மல் உள் ள னர். இன்றே கடை சி நாள் என் ப தால், கோவை யில் இருந்து கேர ளா வுக்கு காய் க றி களை கொண்டு செல்ல முடி யாத நிலை ஏற் பட்டுள் ளது. எனவே, கால அவ கா சத்தை நீட்டிக்க வேண் டும் என காய் கறி வியா பா ரி கள் கோரிக்கை விடுத் துள் ள னர்.

Tartaric Acid and Ascorbic Acid are food additives that are permitted to be added to wines

Tartaric Acid and Ascorbic Acid are food additives that are permitted to be added to wines - Statutory authorities should act in manner that is fair, so that it encourages foreign investment which ultimately leads to economic growth: HC

MUMBAI, AUG 03, 2015: THE Petitioner Company is in the business of manufacturing, selling and importing various types of alcoholic beverages including established international brands such as "Jacob's Creek" .

By way of the present Petition, petitioner seeks an issuance of an appropriate writ for release of its wine products by the brand name of Jacob's Creek . These wine products are currently withheld by the Commissioner of Customs, NhavaSheva Port, Mumbai on the ground that Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has refused to issue a No Objection Certificate (NOC) with respect to these wine products that are imported by the Petitioner. The ground on which the NOC has been refused is that the sample contains "Acidity Regulator: Tartaric Acid (INS334)" and "Antioxidant: ISO Ascorbic Acid (INS315)" which are not permitted as per Appendix A, Table No.3, Row No.14 of the Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011 (hereinafter referred to as the "FSSR, 2011" ).

It is the case of the Petitioner that Tartaric Acid as well as Ascorbic Acid are ingredients that are permitted under the FSSR, 2011 and it is in these circumstances that the Petitioner has prayed that a writ of mandamus be issued directing the authority concerned to issue the NOC and further directing the Commissioner to release the said consignments.

The Petitioner holds a valid licence issued by FSSAI and has been importing Jacob's Creekbrand of wines for more than a decade and the formulation of the said wines has not changed ever since its first import. Up until October 2014, the Petitioner was given the NOC for import of this wine.

Elaborate submissions were made by both sides.

The High Court observed that the short question that needs to be answered in this Petition is whether Tartaric Acid and Ascorbic Acid are food additives that are permitted to be added to alcoholic wines under the FSSR, 2011.

After narrating the genesis of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, the High Court extracted the provisions of s. 3 [Definitions], s. 19 [ Use of food additive or processing aid.] , s.22[ Genetically modified foods, organic foods, functional foods, proprietary foods, etc .].

Adverting to Regulation 3.1.1(1) of the FSSR, 2011, the High Court observed that in terms of the same, food products may contain food additives as specified in the Regulations and in Appendix 'A' and further Regulation 3.1.1(4) permitted the use of food additives in different foods and stipulated that the products mentioned therein may contain food additives permitted in the FSSR, 2011 and in Table 3 of Appendix 'A'. Inasmuch as “Alcoholic wines” are listed asitem (x) of Regulation 3.1.1(4) and, therefore,it is clear that Regulation 3.1.1(4) allowed food additives to be added to alcoholic wines.

Further, Regulation 3.1.12(ii) deals with 'buffering agents' and stipulates that they are materials used to counter acidic and alkaline changes during storage or processing steps, thus improving the flavour and increasing the stability of foods andthat in the Table appended to Regulation 3.1.12, Tartaric Acid finds a specific mention and can be added as an acidulant provided the maximum level of use is 600 ppm. The Note below the said Table also clearly states that Tartaric Acid shall not be added to any food meant for children below 12 months and, therefore,it is reasonable to presume that if the intention was to prohibit the use of Tartaric Acid for any other persons or in respect of any particular food, it would have then so provided clearly.

The High Court noted that it was not the case of FSSAIthat levels of Tartaric Acid in the alcoholic wines imported by the Petitioner are greater than 600 ppm.

The submission of the respondent that since Tartaric Acid is not an ingredient finding place in Appendix 'A', Table 3, Row 14 (alcoholic wines), the same is a prohibited product and, therefore, cannot be permitted to be used as a food additive in alcoholic wines was not accepted in view of the fact that the Regulations themselves contemplate food additives being added to alcoholic wines [Regulation 3.1.1(4)] and Tartaric Acid is specifically listed as a buffering agent which could be used in food products provided the levels do not exceed 600 ppm [Regulation 3.1.12 r/w the Table appended thereto].

The High Court also sought to place reliance on another ‘intrinsic evidence' and in this regard observed thus -

"…Some time in the year 2012, draft Regulations have been framed known as the Food Safety and Standards (Alcoholic Beverages Standards) Regulations, 2012. We must state here that these Regulations have not yet been placed before Parliament and hence do not have the force of law. However, these draft Regulations, and which have been prepared by Respondent No.2 under section 16(2) of the said Act, itself contemplate Tartaric Acid being permitted in wines as set out at item No.3 of Table 2 of the said draft Regulations. We, therefore, are clearly of the view that Tartaric Acid is permitted as a food additive to alcoholic wines and the contention of Respondent No.2 that it is a prohibited product is not borne out either under the provisions of the said Act or the FSSR, 2011 framed thereunder."

On the same reasoning, it was held that Ascorbic Acid is also a permitted food additive which can be added to alcoholic wines as an antioxidant as set out in Regulation 3.1.5(2).

Before concluding, the High Court also mentioned that its decision is supported by a decision of another Division Bench in case of Parle Biscuits Pvt. Ltd. v/s Food Safety and Standards Authority of India and others. 2013 (2) Mh.L.J. 409 : 2013 (3) Bom.C.R.314wherein it was held that Lactic Acid was a permissible ingredient in sugar boiled confectionery and that the use of the word "and" in Regulation 3.1.1(1) did not indicate that a food additive must be stated to be permissible in food products, both in the Regulations and in Appendix 'A' and that the SLP (Civil) No.1427/2013 filed by was withdrawn by the State of Maharashtra through Commissioner, on 28th January, 2013.

The High Court also had a note of caution for the respondent FSSAI. The Bench observed that it was a fit case in which costs ought to have been imposed on Respondent and in favour of the Petitioner but considering that Respondent is a statutory authority constituted under the provisions of The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 to ensure that safe and wholesome food is supplied to the consumers, the High Court refrained from doing so.

The High Court further added –

+ Respondent being a statutory authority cannot act in an arbitrary fashion disregarding the law under which it was constituted.

+ Respondent, being the watchdog for the consumer as well as a regulator of the food industry, ought not to take an adversarial approach. In this matter, we find that despite Tartaric Acid and Ascorbic Acid being clearly included in the Regulations, and the fact that the Petitioner's alcoholic wines have been imported in this country for over a decade without any complaint or untoward incident.

+ Respondent ought to have looked at the Regulations framed by them, a little more carefully before refusing to give the NOC to the Petitioner.

+ The only reason we say this is because in today's global reality India's borders have opened to international business. It is, therefore, important that the statutory authorities act in a manner that is fair, transparent and with a proper application of mind, so that it encourages foreign investment which ultimately leads to the economic growth of the country.

The Writ Petition was allowed.

Fake variety leaves bitter taste in palm jaggery market

A group of men with baskets filled with palm jaggery, traditional brown sugar, line the highway on the outskirts of Madurai waiting for customers who might still prefer the sweetener to the factory-made refined white sugar. With the increasing number of diabetics, traditional palm jaggery is back in favour for its health properties. However, there is stiff competition from its fake version. The industry is a unorg anised and palm jaggery is mostly sold by vendors who set up shop on the roadsides of towns across Tamil Nadu. They procure the traditional sweet in large quantities from Udangudi in Tuticorin district and set out in minitrucks for various parts of the state.They sell palm jaggery, sugar, and ginger-flavoured jaggery pricing it from `250 to `350 per kilogram. “We travel throughout Tamil Nadu and Kerala,“ says one of the vendors, A Subramanian. According to them, there are nearly hundred such mini-trucks operating from areas like Udangudi, Sayalkudi in Ramanathapuram and Srivilliputhur in Virudhunagar. “Of late there is lot of demand for palm jaggery and Udangudi is famous for its brand name,“ says S Seenipandi, among the more prominent of the vendors.

Till the 1960s, farmers used to prepare jaggery in their homes after extracting the sap from palm trees.“From being a product that was made in every household, palm jaggery has become a rarity and finding one of good quality is a challenge“, he said.But the bigger headache is the fake jaggery made of sugar syrup. The Udangudi town panchayat president K Jayakumar says most of the jaggery sold from these mini-trucks is not genuine. “There is a growing industry manufacturing fake jaggery in Udangudi,“ he said. In its glory days, Udangudi used to produce 1,000 tonnes of palm sugar in one season that extended from March to August.“The fake jaggery manufacturing units function round the year produc ing 10 tonnes of jaggery a day , so it's not possible to keep up with the competition,“ rues Jayakumar.

“As demand for palm jaggery surges, the state government needs to play a greater role to ensure that palm trees are well maintained, workers are paid better and stop manufacture of fake jaggery,“ says C Nallusamy of Tamil Nadu toddy movement.

Nutritionists say palm jaggery is better than refined white sugar as it has lower glycemic index. “Since it is raw, the body takes some time to absorb palm jaggery when compared to refined sugar. The iron and minerals in it are beneficial too,“ says S Cynthia, assistant professor of food science at Arul Anandar College.However there is no scientific evidence on the benefits of palm jaggery . But traditional medicine like ayurveda and Siddha use it as an ingredient for various medicines.“Diabetes patients suffer from a lot of deficiencies and the palm sugar replenishes them since it has got iron, calcium, minerals and vitamins,“ says Siddha practitioner Dr S Kamaraj.

FSSAI raids reveal food adulteration

Officials of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) have ordered temporary closure of two hotels at Charummodu and a soda-making factory at Kayamkulam.

More than 35 food manufacturing and sales outlets were served notices by the authority for violation of food safety norms. Raids were conducted at a few major bakeries and several hotels. An amount of Rs.1.73 lakh was realised from the erring outlets.

The punitive action was taken after officials found gross violation of food safety rules. The violations were detected during raids conducted from July 25 to 31, under the codename ‘Operation Ruchi’ in Alappuzha, Cherthala, Mavelikara, Kayamkulam, Chengannur, and Haripad, Alappuzha Assistant Commissioner of Food Safety Joseph Shaji George told The Hindu .

Penalty was imposed on four prominent bakeries which were found to be using banned food colours. Raids revealed that these bakeries were adding monosodium glutamate (MSG) in bakery products beyond permitted levels. Ammonium chloride was seized from certain bakeries. It was suspected to have been added to food products for longer shelf life. The chemical is not permitted for use in food articles and is harmful to health.

The squad also conducted raids at certain export-oriented centres which were making ingredients for food items prepared by multinational food companies. The list of ingredients mentioned in the labels on the packaged food often is not exhaustive. The FSSAI drive was intended to gain information on the undeclared ingredients contained in the finished product marketed by MNCs.

The samples have been sent for analysis at the food analyst laboratory in Thiruvananthapuram. Appropriate action would be initiated against erring ones on receipt of test results, the official said.

The Alappuzha wing of FSSAI is functioning with less than 50 per cent of the required staff strength. The government is taking steps to fill up vacant posts. Shortage of hands had been hampering anti-adulteration initiatives, he said. The FSSAI drive would continue in the district, Mr. George said.

The health wing of local bodies were entitled to conduct inspections at food outlets on issues pertaining to hygiene as the former were the licencing authority for opening the shops. The FSSAI has the mandate to examine the quality of food products and to ensure compliance with food safety standards, he said.

Team orders closure of two hotels at Charummodu and a soda-making factory at Kayamkulam.

DINAMALAR NEWS

As tangled as a cup of noodles

Burning issue: A messy blame game. Sanjoy Ghosh

That’s food safety law for you. How the courts interpret alleged transgressions in the case of Maggi remains to be seen

August 2, 2015: 

The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, is the principal legislation governing food products in India. It classifies food products into two categories — standardised products and proprietary products. Products that conform to the standards specified under the Act are standardised products. Products that do not adhere to the standards, or for which no standards have been specified, are proprietary products.

All food manufacturers have to obtain a licence to manufacture and sell products; however, manufacturers of proprietary products have to additionally obtain prior product approval from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), the food regulator. Approval is granted based on safety assessment by a scientific panel; until such assessment is completed, the FSSAI issues an interim no objection certificate and licence to the manufacturers to launch products in the market.

If approval is not given, and the manufacturer has already launched the product on the basis of the NOC, the manufacturer has to recall the products. Therefore, manufacturers have to ensure ‘traceability’ of the products in order to facilitate a recall. The FSSAI has also introduced regulations on the recall procedure; although these are awaiting approval.

The noodles affair

The FSSAI is currently in the spotlight given its actions in the case of Maggi noodles. While nine variants of Maggi noodles, being proprietary products, were granted approval in 2013, the FSSAI has alleged that these products contain lead, a metal contaminant, beyond the permissible limit of 2.5 parts per million. The manufacturer, Nestle, has in its defence argued that the FSSAI has not interpreted the testing protocol correctly, as the noodles and tastemaker were tested separately, instead of being tested in their combined and consumable form.

Nestle’s defence is that lead in the tastemaker appears to be higher than the permissible limit only when tested separately. However, the FSSAI holds that both components have to be independently compliant, given that they are packaged separately. While the approval was for both the components based on one application, it appears they have been assessed separately.

Of greater concern

In addition to lead, the presence of mono-sodium glutamate (MSG) in Nestle’s products has caused an increased concern among consumers. It is pertinent to note here that tastemakers for noodles are permitted to contain MSG; but the issue raised by the FSSAI is that the declaration on product labels states that there is no ‘added’ MSG in the products. Here Nestle has taken a technical defence by contending that the tastemaker contains naturally-occurring MSG and that Nestle does not add any MSG. While it appears that Nestle’s contention is not wrong, the FSSAI has stated that the declaration creates an erroneous impression in the minds of consumers.

This approach of the FSSAI may be contradictory to its own labelling regulations, because these regulations imply a distinction between naturally occurring MSG and added MSG. The labelling regulations only require products which contain added MSG to bear a declaration, and not products containing naturally occurring MSG.

However, the trouble for Nestle does not end here. The food giant is also alleged to have launched ‘Maggi Oats Masala Noodles’ without obtaining product approval or the NOC. The FSSAI has stated that Nestle had made an application for product approval and that subsequently, due to a lack of response by Nestle on the safety assessment, the application was closed.

FSSAI’s product approval system itself is currently under the scanner of the Supreme Court as a result of a Bombay High Court order striking down the product approval system, for FSSAI exceeding its authority in promulgating the product approval system. In view of this, there was a short span of time when the product approval system was inapplicable. However, the High Court’s order has been stayed by the Supreme Court and the product approval system is applicable again.

Awaiting a decision

Nestle has stated that the alleged product was introduced in the market during such time when the product approval system was not in force. The approach that was expected to be taken by manufacturers of proprietary products who launched products when the Bombay High Court order was effective is required to be understood, given the inapplicability of the product approval system during such period. This ambiguity can only be settled with an expedited decision by the Supreme Court.

As it currently stands, the FSSAI, having rejected the arguments of Nestle, has issued an order directing the recall of all nine variants of its instant noodles and one other unapproved product from the market. The FSSAI’s order has been challenged by Nestle before the Bombay High Court; however the court has not granted interim relief over the ban on Nestle’s products. It will be interesting to see how the various provisions of law are interpreted and settled given the variety of interests and stakes involved.

The writer is a partner at J Sagar Associates, Advocates and Solicitors. The views are personal. Sindhu Nayak contributed to the article