Khesari dal could be answer to arhar crisis, says activist who fought ban for 3 decades

In 2008, Kothari’s efforts had led to the Maharashtra government lifting the ban on production, consumption and sale of the khesari dal, also known as lakholi dal. It was at the end of a hunger strike over 80 days.
When the Indian Council for Medical Research lifted a ban on khesari dal after 55 years, few would have been as delighted as Dr Shantilal Kothari. For over three decades, Kothari, now 73, a microbiologist and nutrition expert in Nagpur, had made it his singular pursuit to get the ban lifted.
“I stand vindicated at last with the ICMR upholding my contention that khesari dal is absolutely safe for consumption and that the impression that it causes lathyrism (a paralysis of the legs) is scientifically misplaced,” a beaming Kothari told The Indian Express.
In 2008, Kothari’s efforts had led to the Maharashtra government lifting the ban on production, consumption and sale of the khesari dal, also known as lakholi dal. It was at the end of a hunger strike over 80 days.
Last year, he was fasting again, this time against the ban nationwide. “I explained the issue to Union minister Nitin Gadkari, who met me during my 56-day hunger strike last November and promised to look into the issue positively,” Kothari said. “I thank him for whatever he has done.”
He had begun his campaign in 1985 after touring villages in eastern Vidarbha’s paddy-growing districts that have traditionally grown khesari. The provocation was an acute shortage of pulses in the country then and he thought khesari could be the ideal alternative. “I travelled to several villages with Bapusaheb Lakhnikar, a prominent personality from Bhandara district, and spoke to people, only to find the impression of lathyrism was wrong. These villages have been eating the dal for decades,” Kothari said.
“What has been found is that when khesari is consumed as the only staple diet, about three per cent get affected. But if consumed in small quantities, it is found to have a salutary effect insofar as cardiovascular functions are concerned,” Kothari added, citing a research by former Osmania University professor S L N Rao.
What followed was several agitations and hunger strikes.
Kothari had left his job as assistant professor in G B Pant Agricultural University in present-day Uttarakhand in 1973, following a dispute with officials on the process of manufacturing soya milk from soyabean. In Nagpur he set up a soyamilk plant, which manufactures about 300 litres per day. Since then, he has pursued the khesari ban issue.
Khesari was banned by all states in 1961, except West Bengal. Chhattisgarh, which became a state later, didn’t ban it. “Farmers growing khesari faced stringent action such as burning of standing crops by government officials and also seizure of pairs of bullocks in the 1970s. It had become a source of corruption for officials as farmers continued to grow the pulse on the sly,” Kothari said.
Kothari doesn’t have a definite figure of the pulse’s production, but says, “It is grown along with rice and is very easy to grow —farmers just have to randomly throw the seeds on paddy fields. After harvesting paddy, the ban had their fields empty but earlier they used to have khesari as a second crop.” Another advantage of the pulse, he says, is it costs Rs 40-50 per kg and promises 20 per cent more production than paddy.
Kothari believes if promoted as a regular crop, about 240 lakh quintals khesari can be produced in the country and it can be a potential game-changer in situations like today’s arhar crunch. “Khesari has the potential to improve not only the biological health but also the financial health of farmers and consumers, thereby becoming a potential tool to prevent farmers’ suicide,” he said.
Kothari says Food Safety and Standards Authority of India conveyed him to him on December 28 that the ban has been lifted. He has set about encouraging farmers to grow khesari. The first meeting of farmers in Kuhi of Nagpur district on January 15 saw a turnout of over 15,000 farmers.

ICMR panel clears ‘unsafe’ khesari dal banned in 1961

The dal was banned in 1961, after its consumption was linked to a neurological disorder called lathyrism (paralysis in the legs).

FIFTY-FIVE years after it was banned, a research panel headed by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has cleared the consumption of khesari dal — considered the poor man’s dal due to its low cost.
The dal was banned in 1961, after its consumption was linked to a neurological disorder called lathyrism (paralysis in the legs).
Responding to an RTI application filed by The Indian Express, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has confirmed that the proposal to lift the ban has been communicated to the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). The RTI reply added that the ICMR’s recommendation is under consideration of the FSSAI, and the food regulator’s Scientific Panel and Scientific Committee discussed the issue on November 6 last year.
When contacted, FSSAI CEO Pawan Kumar Agarwal confirmed that he had received the recommendation from the ICMR. “I cannot comment on the exact findings of the ICMR right now. Besides, something which has been banned for several decades on the ground of safety will have to go through rigorous tests before it is cleared by us,” he said.
Agarwal added that irrespective of the ICMR’s recommendations, there will be an independent scrutiny by the FSSAI’s Scientific Panel and Scientific Committee.
But, according to documents accessed by The Indian Express, the ICMR’s proposal was approved by the FSSAI at its November 6 meeting, although the Scientific Panel and Scientific Committee did not give any conclusive recommendation on lifting the ban.
Consider this:
1. On March 10, 2015, the Scientific Panel — citing a report by the Indian Institute of Toxicological Research which held that lifting the ban on khesari dal would be “improper” since its consumption is “not safe” — had called for more scientific efforts to make it safe.
2. On September 21, 2015, the Scientific Committee observed that incidences of lathyrism were reported from drought prone areas where khesari dal was consumed. While recording that three low toxic varieties of
the dal — mahateora, ratan and prateek — were developed recently, the committee asked for a conclusive study on the lowest safe limit.
3. Further, a study conducted by the National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad, on goats, also recorded abnormal effect on the animals which were given the toxin reportedly produced by khesari grains.
However, the FSSAI has gone solely by the ICMR’s latest recommendation on lifting the ban on sale and storage of khesari dal in view of its high protein content and water use efficiency.
Khesari (Lathyrus odoratus) is a hardy pulse crop that can grow in both drought as well as waterlogged conditions. The grain is known produce a toxin called BAPN or beta-amino-propio-nitrile, which, when ingested, causes limb paralysis and bone deformity — the result of a neurological disorder called lathyrism.
In 2010, the Planning Commission had asked the ICMR to conduct an epidemiological study of the dal in Chhattisgarh, where its cultivation is the highest.
The procedure to lift the ban will envisage an amendment in the FSSAI regulations of 2011, whereby it was prohibited to sell, have in possession for sale, or for use as an ingredient in the preparation of any article of food, khesari dal or its mixture with any other dal or flour.
“The fact that it gives 10-12 quintals per hectare yields even in the harshest environment and can mature within 125 days is a big advantage, though there are issues with BAPN accumulations,” said N P Singh, director of the Indian Institute of Pulses Research at Kanpur.

Case registered against supermarket chain for selling goods post expiry date

COIMBATORE: The food safety department has registered a case against a leading supermarket chain for selling goods which had passed the expiry date. A complaint was filed by a social worker on Thursday.
A retired police officer, who is also a member of the anti-corruption movement in Coimbatore, Velu in his complaint says he bought a box of Sakthi curd at the supermarket chain's store in Nanjundapuram on Wednesday evening. He found that it was manufactured on November 14 last year. It was placed in the saleable items section.
The food safety officials inspected the store on Thursday immediately after receiving the complaint, only to find that they had nine such boxes of curd packaged in November. "We have collected samples from the boxes and send it to our laboratory for testing. Once the results are obtained on Monday, cases will be registered based on what is found in the samples," said designated food safety officer, Dr R Kathiravan. "We have accepted the official complaint though and have begun investigations," he said.
The Food safety office has issued many notices and directions to supermarket stores warning them not to sell products that have crossed their expiry date. "Many dairy-based and ghee-based products start spoiling after a certain point of time even if they are refrigerated," said the officer. "They either spoil or fungus starts forming," he said.
They also advised people to always check the date of manufacturing, expiry or best before details before buying a product. "Though a majority of the stores agree to exchange a product bought after its expiry date, many people consume them absent mindedly trusting the store, which in turn ends up affecting their health," said Dr Kathiravan.

Chandigarh health department raids road side Parantha vendors

Chandigarh: According to the directions of the Director Health & Family Welfare, a joint team under the supervision of Dr Rajinder K Sharma, Designated Officer I/c Food Safety Administration, Chandigarh Health Department, Chandigarh consisting of Drug Control Officer Sunil Chaudhary, Drug Control Officer Jasbir Singh, Surinder Pal Singh, Food Safety Officer and Bhaljinder Singh, Food Safety Officer inspected the various vendors selling paranthas in the area of Sector 11, Sector 10, Sector 15 and Sector 16 of Chandigarh.
All the vendors in the said area were inspected and a total of eleven (11) quality control samples and two legal samples were lifted for the purpose of analysis & examination. Also two improvement notices were issued to the vendors who were found not upto the standards. The raids will continue till further orders.

Safe Kerala campaign brings steady change among those engaged in food business

KOZHIKODE: What the numerous awareness drives by health officials couldn't deliver through the campaign held over last year was achieved successfully by the intensive inspection drive carried out by the officials in the first fortnight of the current year.
The regular inspections by the officials to check hygienic quality of food being served at food outlets under the Safe Kerala campaign of the health department have succeeded in bringing steady and positive change among people engaged in food business about the importance of maintaining cleanliness at the time of preparing and selling food items.
The data with the health department shows a decline in the number of violations detected in the shops after the launch of Safe Kerala campaign in 2015. The officials have started crackdown of eatery outlets in 2016 which are found selling unhygienic food items to curb the spreading of communicable diseases.
The officials have served notices to only 44 shops and closed down the six shops engaged in food business during the first round of raid conducted in January 2016. The number in the corresponding period in 2015 was more than 100 soon after the launch of Safe Kerala campaign.
The officials have also levied a sum of Rs 3800 under the prohibition of public smoking so far this year. The team further detected that of the 262 migrant workers employed at various eatery outlets, only 47 of them having health card. The officials have slapped notices under the Madras Public Health Act, 1939, against the shops for preparing the food in the most unhygienic condition and for non-disposal of generated waste which created a safe environment for mosquito breeding.
The health department had carried out the simultaneous inspections through 74 squads to curb the spreading of the communicable diseases. The two district level teams conducted raids in the corporation and Vadakara municipality.
According to the health department, the officials covered 877 eatery outlets which includes 347 hotels, 217 cool bars, 171 bakeries, nine catering centres, five ice factories, nine soda manufacturing units and 119 other types of stalls during the drive heled from January 1 to 15, 2016. In 2015, the health officials here had issued notices to more than three hundred shops, houses and estates for keeping the surrounding unhygienic. The 27,273 inspections held in three rounds in 2015 had covered 25,767 houses, 197 estates and 1309 institutions and shops during the three rounds of site inspections held in 2015.
Junior Health Inspector P G Arunlal who is one among the health squad conducted raids in the corporation limit said that there is a positive change among shop owners. `` We have succeeded in changing the attitude as shop owners are now well aware about the importance of maintaining cleanliness at the time of preparing and storing food,'' he said.
Meanwhile, additional district medical officer Dr Piyush Namboodiri said that the change in attitude is seen very much in the approach of shop owners. `` The number of notices which crossed more than 100 in 2015 during the first round of inspection has now reduced to below fifty which is a positive sign,'' he said adding that the department wish to achieve zero violations through the Safe Kerala campaign. ``The next phase will cover the remaining food outlets that have not been covered in the first phaseday,'' he said.

Food safety priority at Kalolsav

Department has deployed five squads to check adulteration in restaurants, bakeries.
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With around 10,000 students and thousands of parents expected to throng the city for Kalolsavam, the food and safety authority is gearing up for checking adulteration at eateries that are supposed to be unusually crowded.
The department has deployed five squads and summoned assistant commissioners from five districts to hold special checks at restaurants and bakeries in Thiruvananthapuram from January 15.
On January 18, cereals and grocery for making food at Kalolsavam will arrive at the venues. The food safety officials have to test the quality before it goes into the plates of contestants.
“The ongoing drive in Thiruvananthapuram city gives special emphasis on eateries around venues. We will now have to issue the license to around seven food stalls inside venues. There will be flying squads to shuttle between venues,” said food safety commissioner T. V. Anupama.
Horticorp will provide fresh vegetables to the venues. Plastic and paper plates will be discouraged at the venues and steel plates by Kudumbashree will be brought to serve food.
“All the restaurants have been asked to serve only boiled water. When more people come, there is a possibility of them adding more water into the curry. Apart from the quality of food, the charging of exorbitant prices can also be reported to us,” an official said.
Those who have any complaints can register the complaint with 1800-425-1125

DINAMALAR NEWS

DINAMALAR NEWS

ஆலைகளில் ஸ்டார்ச் உற்பத்தி அதிகரிப்பு: மூட்டை விலை ரூ. 300 வரை சரிந்தது

நாமகிரிப்பேட்டை: ஜவ்வரிசி விலை உயராததால், சேகோ ஆலைகளில், ஜவ்வரிசி உற்பத்தியை குறைத்துவிட்டு, தற்போது ஸ்டார்ச் உற்பத்தியை அதிகரித்ததால், அதன் விலை மூட்டை ஒன்றுக்கு, 300 ரூபாய் வரை குறைந்தது.
சேலம், நாமக்கல் மாவட்டங்களில், 350 சேகோ ஆலைகள் உள்ளன. ஒவ்வொரு ஆலையிலும் சராசரியாக நாள் ஒன்றுக்கு, 1,000 மூட்டை மரவள்ளி கிழங்கு அரைக்கப்படுகிறது. இதன் மூலம், மில் ஒன்றில், 100 மூட்டை ஜவ்வரிசி தயார் செய்து, பல்வேறு பகுதிகளுக்கு சப்ளை செய்யப்படுகிறது. தற்போது, வடமாநிலங்களில் ஜவ்வரிசி தேவை குறைந்ததால், சேலம் சேகோ மார்க்கெட்டில் ஜவ்வரிசி விலை (குவிண்டால்), 2,600 ரூபாய் வரை விலைபோனது. இதற்கிடையே, சேலம் மாவட்ட உணவு பாதுகாப்பு துறை அதிகாரியின் நடவடிக்கைகளை கண்டித்து, சேகோ வியாபாரிகள், ஜவ்வரிசி ஏலத்தில் பங்கேற்காமல் புறக்கணிப்பில் ஈடுபட்டனர். இதனால், சேகோ ஆலைகளில் ஜவ்வரிசி மூட்டை தேங்கியது. அதுமட்டுமின்றி, ஜவ்வரிசி உற்பத்தி செலவுடன் ஒப்பிடும்போது, மூட்டைக்கு, 200 ரூபாயிலிருந்து, 350 ரூபாய் வரை, நஷ்டம் ஏற்பட்டது. இதனால், தற்போது சேகோ ஆலைகளில் கிழங்கு அரைப்பதை குறைத்துக்கொண்டனர்.
இதுகுறித்து, நாமக்கல் சேகோ ஆலை அதிபர்கள் கூறியதாவது: கிழங்கு மூட்டை, 400 ரூபாய் வரை வாங்கப்படுகிறது. ஜவ்வரிசிமூட்டை, 3,600 ரூபாய்க்கு விற்றால் தான் சோகோ ஆலைகளுக்கு கட்டுப்படியாகும். தற்போது, ஜவ்வரிசி மூட்டைக்கு, 350 ரூபாய் வரை நஷ்டம் ஏற்பட்டுள்ளதால், உற்பத்தியை குறைத்துக் கொண்டுள்ளோம். ஜவ்வரிசி தயாரிப்பை விட, ஸ்டார்ச்சை அரைத்து காய வைத்து விற்றுவிடலாம் என்பதால், அனைத்து மில்களிலும், ஸ்டார்ச் தயாரிப்பு துவங்கியுள்ளது. கடந்த மாதம், 2,200 ரூபாய்க்கு விற்ற ஸ்டார்ச் மூட்டை, தற்போது, 1,900 ரூபாய்க்கு தான் விலை போகிறது. அதுவும், மூட்டைக்கு, 300 ரூபாய் வரை குறைந்துள்ளது. இவ்வாறு அவர்கள் கூறினர்.

Happy Mattu Pongal!!!

‘Food adulteration a major cause of increasing prevalence of cancer’

NAGPUR: The increased incidence of lifestyle diseases like cancer can directly be ascribed to consumption of adulterated food, according to experts. The good news is that in case of several foodstuffs, the adulteration can be caught by simple methods.
Marking the National Dietetics Week, city branch of Indian Dietetic Association (IDA) organized a talk on Lifestyle Modification and Food Safety for Better Health on Tuesday at Care Hospital. The next day saw officials from AGMARK giving live demonstration of food adulteration at Women's Technical Education and Research Centre, LAD College, Seminary Hills. These were attended by students of dietetics, nurses and practising dieticians. IDA also organised a Nutri Mela wherein healthy snacks were made available by members for students and members.
"The use of more food colours and pesticides is leading to more cancer cases these days. If it is possible, the best way to ensure your food is unadulterated and hygienic is to grow it yourself. Even when eating out, one must be careful not to choose foodstuffs with colours that are too bright," said IDA Nagpur president Rita Bhargava while delivering the lecture. She also gave the audience several tips to ensure their food was safe and hygienic.
Dr Sharma, Mr Rana and Mr Gurmeet from AGMARK demonstrated how one could detect adulteration. Some examples they gave were using a magnet to separate iron dust from tea leaves, melting ghee and adding some hydrochloric acid and same quantity of sugar (if it turns pink, it has been adulterated with vanaspati) and removal of essential oils from elaichi by soaking in organic solvent
President Rita Bhargava, secretary Kavita Bakshi, treasurer Minal Gujarathi , executive members Kavita Gupta, Chanchal Sahni, Nilima Joshi, Vinita Mehta, Aditi Barve and Sakina Raghib worked hard for the success of the programme.

Make sure food from garden is safe to eat

Experts offer advice to prevent spread of food-borne illness
Gardening delivers produce that is tastier, cheaper and safer than store-bought, right? Well, not necessarily safer.
“There’s always the potential from contamination, whether you grow your own food or buy it at the market,” said Marisa Bunning, an extension food safety specialist at Colorado State University.
“You know more about (food safety) and have more control over it with a home garden, but animals have more access to your yard than with specialty crops grown on farms,” she said. “Not only wildlife, but pets.”
Most food-borne illnesses are infections caused by bacteria, viruses and parasites, according to the Minnesota Department of Health. There’s also a danger from toxins or chemical contaminants. “Many food-borne pathogens also can be acquired through recreational or drinking water, through contact with animals or their environment, or through person-to-person spread,” the agency says.
E. coli and salmonella are the most frequently reported food-borne illnesses. Symptoms include diarrhea and vomiting, abdominal cramps, fever and joint pain. Severity depends upon an individual’s health, but children and the elderly comprise the highest risk groups, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Food safety specialists recommend guarding against contamination from field to fork. That means minimizing hazards in the garden and being careful when handling food in the kitchen.
Some guidelines:
• Choose the right garden location, especially in cities, Bunning said. “Avoid areas near septic tanks or runoff and aerosols from contaminated irrigation systems,” she said. “Septic tanks or reservoirs could be leaking.”
• Use only potable water for your produce. Groundwater from wells (the deeper the better) is generally safer than water from streams or ponds. Drip systems are better than sprinklers for avoiding direct water contact with edibles like leafy greens growing above the soil.
• Manage manure and compost properly. Age it from 2 to 4 months so beneficial bacteria can kill out the harmful types. Mix compost frequently, and ensure that it reaches temperatures of 140 degrees or more for prolonged periods to reduce or eliminate E. coli contamination.
• Clean tools and yourself after gardening. “Keep pets out of the garden, use a high-quality water source, ensure that people in the garden are not sick, and that there’s no human waste on your hands or person,” said Kurt Nolte, an agriculture agent with the School of Plant Sciences at the University of Arizona.
• Wash all fruits and vegetables before eating them, especially if serving them raw. Washing removes dirt and bacteria as well as residual pesticides. Cooking kills many pathogens, and promptly refrigerating leftovers will slow the growth of harmful bacteria.

FSSAI issues new norms for food product imports

"..No food article shall be allowed to be cleared from the custom unless it has 60% shelf life at the time of its clearance from the customs.."
Food items which have at least 60% shelf life or more will only be allowed to import, the food safety watchdog FSSAI said in its new guidelines, a move aimed at checking dumping of products.
The Food Safety Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) also said that no one can import any food product without having an import licence from the central licensing authority and at the same the importer should also be registered with the Director-General of Foreign Trade (DGFT).
"..No food article shall be allowed to be cleared from the custom unless it has 60% shelf life at the time of its clearance from the customs..," the food safety regulator said in its notification.
Shelf life means the period between the date of manufacture and the best before or expiry date whichever is earlier as printed on the label.
FSSAI also said that if any food importer attempts to import unsafe and prohibited food or food from prohibited sources, directly or indirectly, including re-channelling, re- packing etc, his or her licence could be cancelled.
All India Food Processors Association President Amit Dhanuka said this brings more clarity and transparency in the regulations.
"We welcome this move now there is more clarity for importing the packaged food products. Besides, this move will also stop bringing expired products to the country and try to make it a dumping ground," Dhanuka told PTI.
In addition to respective directions, the regulator also eased the import clearance process by introducing risk-based criteria for clearance rather than sampling of consignments.
FSSAI also further clarified the labelling norms and has permitted importers to affix logos as prescribed by the food safety norms on arrival of the food products at the custom bonded warehouses.

HAPPY PONGAL!!!

Food business operators directed to obtain license

Assistant Commissioner Food Safety Srinagar has asked all food business operators of district Srinagar to obtain license-registration from his office at Bemina.
 

Assistant Commissioner Food Safety Srinagar has asked all food business operators of district Srinagar to obtain license-registration from his office at Bemina.
It is also informed that to manufacture, sell, store, distribute or import any food article without license is punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months and also with a fine which may extend to five lakhs,” the Assistant Commissioner said in a statement.

Food regulator for stricter import norms

FSSAI lists guidelines to stop sub-standard products from entering the country
New Delhi, January 14:
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has listed stricter norms for licensing, documentation, packaging, labelling as well as suspension or cancellation of food importers’ licences, to stop sub-standard products entering the country.
The FSSAI, on Thursday, came out with a notice for operationalisation of the Food Safety and Standards (Food Import) Regulations, 2016 for food importers.
Among the various documents that the food importers will need to submit along with the application for clearance, include recall plan and declaration of regulatory status of food in the county of origin.
The documents must also include submission of declaration that the food is permitted for human consumption from the country of origin as well as the status of regulation of the product in the location of the parent company (if the parent company is located in another location from country of manufacture).
Food importers will also have to submit the list of transit countries through which the imported food product has transited before reaching India as well as the temperature profile report in case the food item is required to be shipped in cold chain conditions.
Storage conditions
In addition, if food items require special storage conditions, the authorised officer will verify the true storage conditions before clearance from air cargo operator or shipping operator and if those special storage facilities were available in the storage facilities.
Besides, outlining labelling norms, the regulations also offer a review process for aggrieved food importers.
The guidelines for clearance of imported food by the food authority include that the food importer will need to be present at the customs area to facilitate inspection and drawing samples.
“In the event of the food importer or his Custom House Agent not being present to facilitate the inspection and sampling in spite of two opportunities having been granted, the Authorized Officer shall refuse to grant further opportunity for inspection and sampling of the food consignment. Any further appointment in this behalf may be granted by the CEO or his Authorized representative after levy of suitable penalty on the Food Importer as may be prescribed by the Authority from time to time,” the regulations states.

Study says food MNCs' standards inconsistent

Global food and beverage biggies seem to be applying lower or no standards, and less responsible practices in unregulated markets, like India, and may not be following consistent standards across all markets of operation. This could explain the recent run-ins which food companies, particularly Nestle, had with regulatory agencies in the country with regard to labelling requirements last year with its best-selling brand, Maggi instant noodles.
Also, top food and beverage companies are doing far too little to tackle under-nutrition, and handling the scourge of obesity through diet-related strategies does not figure on their agenda. These are some of the worrying findings by the Netherlands-based independent non-profit organization, Access to Nutrition Foundation, which ranked world's 22 largest food and beverage manufacturers, including Unilever, Nestle, Danone, Coca-Cola and PepsiCo.
The rankings were done on nutrition policies, practices and disclosure including responsible advertising, claims and labelling requirements. The index is funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Wellcome Trust and Children's Investment Fund Foundation.
The 'Access to Nutrition Index 2016' is led by Unilever, followed by Nestle and Danone, with no company scoring over 6.4 out of a total score of 10. The research rates food and beverage companies with respect to policies and practices followed globally, including India, but does not give specific ratings for countries or regions.
Explaining the significance of the research, Inge Kauer, executive director of Access to Nutrition Foundation that develops and publishes the index, told TOI, "Not only does the benchmarking help industry, nutrition experts and civil society to measure companies' contributions to improved nutrition against best practices standards, investors in F&B companies are increasingly taking into consideration the access to nutrition index (ATNI) rankings, while it also enables the industry to improve policies so as to help consumers around the globe eat better food."
"Nestle India products conform to international quality standards. While Nestle India has already pioneered the Nutritional Compass on its product packs, it has also started displaying GDA (guideline daily amount) labellings on some of the products and will include more and more products with GDA labelling in due course," a company spokesperson said.
The 2016 index says while some companies have taken positive steps since the last index in 2013, the industry as a whole is moving far too slowly.
"Certain companies, particularly those headquartered in the US (including General Mills, Kraft, Heinz, Kellogg's and ConAgra), seem systematically to apply lower or no-standards and less responsible practices in unregulated markets or those with low levels of regulation. This is a cause for concern. Companies should help to tackle global nutrition challenges not because they are forced to by regulators (or the threat of regulatory action) but because they can make a substantial contribution to public health," the report says.
In a pilot study done earlier, the organization had studied companies including Coca-Cola, Nestle, Unilever, PepsiCo, Britannia, Mother Dairy, ITC, and Parle.
"By 2030, half of world population would be overweight and bulk of that would be in developing countries... it is something that is getting attention now. Our hope is that the companies really start to focus on this more, as it is not only in their social responsibility but also in their financial interest, as consumers worldwide are increasingly demanding healthier foods," she added.
With reference to MNCs, in India, Kauer said it is essential they offer healthy and affordable products but also have strong labelling so that consumers can make responsible choices. It is important to have responsible marketing for adults, and children, and list down information in the label which is correct and clear, and their nutrition claims are correct and if there's any misunderstanding and complaints, companies need to address it immediately.
Given their global reach, food and beverage companies have a powerful role to play alongside governments and international organizations in helping to tackle this crisis, and should forge innovative partnerships.

DINAMALAR NEWS

திருப் பூர் டிபார்ட் மெண்ட் ஸ்டோ ரில் உணவு பாது காப்பு அதி கா ரி கள் ேசாதனை

திருப் பூர்,ஜன.14:
திருப் பூர் அவி னாசி ரோட் டில் உள்ள ஒரு டிபார் மெண்ட் ஸ்டோ ரில் கலா வ தி யான உணவு பொருட் கள் விற் பனை செய் வ தாக உணவு பாது காப்பு அதி கா ரி க ளுக்கு புகார் வந் துள் ளது.
இதனை தொடர்ந்து நேற்று இந்த கடைக்கு சென்ற ஒரு வர் வாங் கிய பேரிச் சம் ப ழத் தில் புழு இருந் த தாக கூறப் ப டு கி றது. இது கு றித்து டிபார்ட் மெண்ட் மேலா ள ரி டம் அவர் புகார் செய் தும் உரிய பதில் அளிக் கா த தால், திருப் பூர் உணவு பாது காப்பு அதி கா ரி க ளுக்கு தக வல் தெரி வித் தார்.
சம் பவ இடத் திற்கு வந்த உணவு பாது காப்பு அதி காரி தங் க வேல் மற் றும் முரு கே சன் ஆகி யோர், பேரிச் சம் ப ழத் தின் மாதி ரியை சேக ரித்து, அரசு ஆய்வு கூடத் திற்கு பரி சோ த னைக்கு அனுப் பி வைத் த னர். சோத னைக்கு பின் நட வ டிக்கை எடுக் கப் ப டும் என்று அதி கா ரி கள் தெரி வித் த னர்.

தரச்சான்றிதழ் பெறாமல் இயங்கிய குடிநீர் சுத்திகரிப்பு தொழிற்சாலைக்கு சீல் தேன்கனிக்கோட்டை அருகே பரபரப்பு

தேன் க னிக் கோட்டை, ஜன.14:
தேன் க னிக் கோட்டை அருகே உரிய தரச் சான் றி தழ் பெறா மல், செயல் பட்டு வந்த குடி நீர் சுத் தி க ரிப்பு ஆலைக்கு உணவு பாது காப்பு துறை அதி கா ரி கள் சீல் வைத் த னர்.
கிருஷ் ண கிரி மாவட் டம் தேன் க னிக் கோட்டை அருகே உச் ச னப் பள்ளி கிரா மத் தில் செயல் பட்டு வரும் தொழிற் சா லை யில், ஐஎஸ்ஐ தரச் சான் றி தழ் பெறா மல், சுத் தி க ரிக் கப் பட்ட குடி நீர் தயார் செய்து வினி யோ கம் செய் வ தாக, மாவட்ட உணவு பாது காப்பு துறைக்கு தக வல் கிடைத் தது. அதன் பேரில், உணவு பாது காப்பு துறை மாவட்ட நிய மன அலு வ லர் டாக் டர் கலை வாணி, உணவு பாது காப்பு அலு வ லர் சுவா மி நா தன் மற் றும் அலு வ லர் கள் அந்த ஆலை யில் திடீர் ஆய்வு மேற் கொண் ட னர்.
அப் போது, ஐஎஸ்ஐ மற் றும் உணவு பாது காப்பு துறை யின் உரிய தரச் சான் றி தழ் பெறா மல் குடி நீர் தயா ரித்து வினி யோ கம் செய்து வந் தது கண் டு பி டிக் கப் பட் டது. இதை தொடர்ந்து, அங் கி ருந்த குடி நீர் கேன் களை பறி மு தல் செய்த அதி கா ரி கள், உட ன டி யாக அந்த தொழிற் சா லைக்கு சீல் வைத் த னர். இந்த சம் ப வம் தேன் க னிக் கோட் டை யில் பர ப ரப்பை ஏற் ப டுத் தி யுள் ளது.

DINAMANI NEWS

Jaggery cauldrons fired up for a sweet Pongal

Jaggery May Have Lost Its Place To Refined Sugar in Tamil Nadu, But Pongal Serves As A Reminder Of This Health Food Tradition Pongal, old-timers say, gets sweeter by the day. Going by the scale of jaggery preparation in various districts, the adage seems to be on the dot. An integral part of Pongal celebrations is the preparation of sweet pongal or ‘Sakkarai Pongal’ on Pongal day, along with rice and jaggery cooked in a new pot.
As the demand is expected to surge in the final days of Pongal, jaggery-makers in south and central districts are preparing the item from crushed sugarcane juice by boiling it in huge cauldrons.
Production units function with a team comprising labourers involved in cutting sugarcane from the fields to those toiling near the cauldrons.
A N Shantharam, a jaggerymaker of Madurai, says Pongal and jaggery are intertwined.
“Sakkarai Pongal’s taste depends on the amount of jaggery we add to the rice. For every kg of rice, a kg-and-half of jaggery should be added,” he says.
M Saravanan, a sugarcane farmer and unit owner at Kottaimedu village, near Alanganallur, says jaggery production commences by January and continues till March. The preparatory works commence in December. The price of jaggery is but steadily falling, he says.
Last year, 10-kg bags were sold at `550-600. But the prices are presently between `400–450.
Finding farm hands is a real challenge at jaggery units, Saravanan adds. His team is from Udumalaipet.
“Once upon a time, jaggery was an important sweetener.
Sadly, it has shrunk to be a commodity thought of only during Pongal,” says K A Kamaraj, joint secretary, Tamil Nadu Jaggery Merchants Association. Kamaraj says jaggery is a healthier option compared to refined sugar. M Durga Devi, Assistant Professor of Food Products at the Indian Institute of Crop Processing Technology stated that jaggery is unrefined sugar containing sucrose and minerals like iron and potassium. Sugar is immediately absorbed in the blood whereas jaggery, having long chains of sucrose, undergoes delayed metabolism.
“So, diabetics are advised to take jaggery and not refined sugar,” she said.
The adulteration of jaggery, using sugar and dangerous chemicals, is becoming a concern. Jaggery-makers use refined sugar with sugarcane juice to increase colour. Adulteration of palm jaggery with sugar syrup has been reported in Tiruneveli and Tuticorin districts. During jaggery preparation, lime (calcium hydroxide) is added to clean the sugarcane juice. Of late, baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) or sulphur dioxide is used. However, adulterants such as super phosphate and chemical dyes are being used widely. The jaggery made in southern districts like Madurai, Theni, and Virudhunagar is relatively pure as they mostly make ‘Malayala Urundai’ (pure jaggery) for the Kerala market, Kamaraj says.

Supreme Court asks govt lab: Is Maggi noodles safe for consumption

The court said the entire exercise has to be carried out within eight weeks and posted the matter for April 5.
The Supreme Court on Wednesday sought a conclusive report from government laboratory in Mysore on whether Maggi noodles is safe for consumption and if lead and glutamic acid in it are within permissible limits.
Underlining that Maggi is consumed mostly by youngsters, a bench led by Justice Dipak Misra asked for clarifications from Mysore lab regarding content of the instant noodles to adjudicate the appeal made by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) against an order lifting the ban.
“We have perused the test reports. We would like Central Food Technological Research Institute, Mysore to apprise this court on two aspects, whether the test report relating to lead and glutamic acid are within the permissible parameters and to clarify that those are within parameters prescribed under the Food Safety Act,” it said.
The order was passed after the court went through two communications received from the Mysore lab, which had carried out the test about the monosodium glutamate (MSG) content in the samples.
While Nestle India claimed that the lead content was within the permissible limit prescribed under the Food Safety Act, the Centre said there was a need for comprehensive findings of all other parameters.
Making it clear that it was not passing any interim order, the bench said there was a need for the clarification. It added the institute in Mysore shall also give clarification on the test relating to glutamic acid. The bench said additionally if the institute feels more samples were necessary, it can requisition the same from the authority concerned.
The court said the entire exercise has to be carried out within eight weeks and posted the matter for April 5.

Level of lead in Maggi within permissible limit: Mysore lab to SC

New Delhi:
The Central Food Technological Research Institute in Mysore, which examined Maggi samples, told the Supreme Court on Wednesday that the level of lead in the instant noodles was within permissible limit and sought more samples to give its findings on monosodium glutamate (MSG).
A bench of Justice Dipak Misra and Justice N V Ramana perused the report which said the level of lead in Maggi samples was found to be at 2.5, which Nestle's counsel Harish Salve claimed to be within permissible limits.
The Centre, however, pointed out that the laboratory had not conducted comprehensive tests and directed it to file report on MSG within eight weeks.
“We know that it is being consumed mostly by the young generation and we are also concerned about their health. But we have to trust the lab. Let the lab clarify on the issue,“ the bench said.
The lab said it could not conduct other tests as the quantity of samples was insufficient. The court asked the lab to approach the Joint Registrar of National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC), who was appointed as Commissioner by NCDRC, to get more samples.
The court, which had on December 16 stayed class action suit proceedings initiated against Nestle, posted the case for hearing on April 5. The Centre has filed a class action suit before the Commission against Nestle for alleged unfair trade practices and misleading advertisements. It has sought Rs 640 crore in compensation. The NCDRC on December 9 ordered tests on 16 additional samples of Maggi noodles by a lab in Chennai. The Supreme Court, however, modified the NCDRC order and entrusted the task of examining the samples to the Mysore lab

Fresh food might be less healthy than you think - and it's bad news for Chipotle

While your fresh salad is probably packed with nutrients, it may also contain some elements that are far less safe.
Most people assume inexpensive, poorly-prepared meat is responsible for most food poisoning cases. However, fresh produce accounts for about half of the 48 million illnesses in the US per year that can be traced to contaminated foods, reports CNNMoney in a recent series called Raw Ingredients.
In widespread outbreaks, produce is typically contaminated in the fields - either through contact with animal feces or human feces from workers relieving themselves, as in a recent case of a contaminated cilantro. However, contamination can occur if someone at any level on the production chain handles produce with contaminated hands.
Washing the produce is the obvious and essential way to eliminate bacteria, leading to the rise of "triple-washed" items. However, unlike most processed food, fresh produce is not always microwaved or cooked - two of the most foolproof methods for killing bacteria.
The issue is complicated by the fact that importing foreign produce is extremely common. Nearly 50% of fresh fruit and 20% of fresh vegetables are imported from other countries, some with standard food safety practices that differ from those of the US.


The Food Safety Modernization Act, passed in 2011, helped introduce new preventative food safety measures, especially as they relate to foreign suppliers.
However, many believe the FDA lacks the resources to effectively enforce safety measures like the Modernization Act. Food safety expert and chief executive of IEH Laboratories Dr. Mansour Samadpour told CNNMoney that the FDA required a "minimum [of] 10 times more resources" than what it currently had to do its job correctly. The FDA itself told CNNMoney it needed a budgetary increase of $170 million.
All these factors can combine to make eating "healthy" a sometimes risky proposition in the US.
This counterintuitive fact - that uncooked fruits and vegetables are some of the most likely foods to make you ill - is something that has made the recent Chipotle E. coli outbreak so hard for customers to swallow.

Chipotle is rolling out new safety measures, such as preparing ingredients in a central kitchen and taking extra steps to kill germs, such as dipping onions in boiling water and adding cilantro to rice when it is steaming hot to kill some of the microbes on the cilantro. However, because the food is prepared fresh and most produce is uncooked, there's no silver bullet that can definitively kill germs across all stages of production.
In many ways, Chipotle's recent outbreak isn't as surprising as it first seems. Eating fresh carries greater risks than chowing down on fries from McDonald's - at least when it comes to food poisoning.

SC permits Mysuru lab to test more Maggi noodles samples

The Supreme Court on Wednesday permitted the Mysuru-based Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI) to get more samples of Maggi noodles to test the lead and mono sodium glutamate (MSG) contents in its taste-makers.
The bench of Justice Dipak Misra and Justice N.V. Ramana also asked the CFTRI to tell if the lead content found in its tests carried out in October, in pursuance of the order of the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC), was within the limit prescribed under the food safety law and rules framed under it.
The CFTRI had conducted tests on Maggi samples in pursuance of the October 15 directions of the NCDRC.
Giving the lab two months' time to carry out the tests and submit its report, the court said if the lab needed more samples, it should ask for them.
The court was told that more samples were needed as the samples already used for tests could not be reused for further tests.
For more samples, if needed, the CFTRI would approach the NCDRC joint registrar who would collect the samples from the Lucknow godown of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
The apex court on December 16 had asked the CFTRI to test samples of Maggi noodles as directed by the NCDRC.
The court had asked the CFTRI to undertake the testing of Maggi samples as it modified the NCDRC order of December 9-10 by which it had asked the Chennai-based lab to test the samples.
Nestle India had moved the apex court challenging the December 9-10 order.
Nestle contended that once the NCDRC sent Maggi samples for testing by the Mysuru lab by its October 15 order, then there was no necessity of further testing by the Chennai lab.
The Centre had moved the apex court against the August 13, 2015 Bombay High Court order which had held that the labs that tested Maggi noodles were not accredited by the NABL, thus their findings could not be relied upon.
The next hearing of the matter is on April 5.

More attention needed on quality of Maggi as it's mostly used by youngsters: SC

New Delhi: In what could spell trouble again for Nestle India, the Supreme Court has made some grim observations on Maggi. The SC expressed concern over the quality of the noodles saying that more attention needs to be paid as the product is being consumed by youngsters.
The SC made the observations while hearing Food Safety and Standards Authority of India's (FSSAI) plea challenging the Bombay HC order which lifted the ban on Maggi noodles in 2015.
The apex court asked the government laboratory in Mysore to further clarify whether test reports relating to lead and glutamic acid in Maggi noodles are within permissible parameters under the law. The apex court passed the order after perusing two communications received from the Mysore laboratory which had carried out the test about the monosodium glutamate (MSG) content in the samples.
While Nestle India, makers of Maggi, claimed that the lead content was within the permissible limit prescribed under the Food Safety Act, the Centre said there was a need for comprehensive findings of all other parameters.
Making it clear that it was not passing any interim order, a bench headed by Justice Dipak Misra said there was a need for the clarification.
"We have perused the test reports. We would like Central Food Technological Research Institute, Mysore to apprise this court on two aspects, whether the test report relating to lead and glutamic acid are within the permissible parameters and to clarify that those are within parameters prescribed under the Food Safety Act," the bench, also comprising Justice N V Ramana, said.
The bench further said the institute in Mysore shall also give clarification on the test relating to glutamic acid. The bench said additionally if the institute feels more samples were necessary, it can requisition the same from the authority concerned.
The bench said for the additional samples the court may communicate with the joint registrar, National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC), who was appointed as local commissioner. He shall collect the samples from FSSAI godown in Lucknow.
The court said the entire exercise has to be carried out within eight weeks and posted the matter for April 5. The court had on December 16, 2015 ordered testing of samples of Maggi noodles in the Mysore laboratory after NCDRC had directed that it be done in Chennai.
The Supreme Court was hearing a plea filed by Nestle India Ltd against the order of apex consumer commission.
The consumer commission had on December 10, 2015 sent 16 more samples of Maggi noodles for testing in the Chennai lab to ascertain the quantity of lead and MSG in them, in connection with the government's Rs 640 crore suit against the company for alleged unfair trade practices.
The apex court, meanwhile, had stayed the proceedings before NCDRC and had directed that the test reports, including the earlier one, be placed before it.
The Bombay High Court had on August 13, 2015 lifted the ban on nine variants of the fast food and asked the company to go for fresh tests.

SC seeks clarity on Maggi’s lead levels from Mysore-based national research lab

The Central Food Technological Research Institute in Mysore has already submitted the results of tests ordered by the Supreme Court on 16 December
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Wednesday asked the Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI) if lead levels in the samples of Maggi noodles it tested recently were within prescribed levels.
The Mysore-based national research lab, approved by the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL), has already submitted the results of tests ordered by the court on 16 December.
The December order stayed proceedings before the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) and transferred the case to Supreme Court.
A bench comprising justices Dipak Misra and N. V. Ramana asked CFTRI to make a requisition to the government for further samples of Maggi noodles, if required. The laboratory will also clarify that whether tests for glutamic acid are the same as those for monosodium glutamate (MSG).
Appearing for Nestle India Ltd, lawyer Harish Salve told the court that CFTRI was mistaken that Maggi had to be tested for all possible contaminants. The court replied that there was no difficulty in doing so.
The court said health and food safety were the primary concerns.
Maggi, Nestle’s popular snack, came under the food safety regulator’s scanner on charges that it contained excessive levels of lead and MSG. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) banned Maggi in the market in July. The Bombay high court lifted the ban in August.
The government had also filed a class action suit against the Indian arm of the Swiss food giant for compensation of Rs.640 crore.

Maggi packet to undergo Narco Analysis to find out if MSG and lead levels are within permissible limits

Mysuru: Tired with the inefficiency of various state governments in detecting MSG and lead levels in Maggi, Supreme Court has now asked Mysuru based lab to carry out narco tests on Maggi packs to bring out the truth and put an end to the debate.
Apparently, a few packets of Maggi will be taken the lab and the regular procedure for narco analysis will be conducted. “Although something like this has not been done before anywhere in the world, the situation demands a foolproof method of testing the noodles. Our lab is ready and we are waiting for the packet to arrive,” said Radheshyam Gowda, chief of the lab.
“The packet will be first injected with truth serum and then questions will be asked to the packet to ascertain if the packet indeed has higher than normal levels of MSG and lead,” he added.
The apex court’s decision also brought back focus on Baba Ramdev’s Patanjali noodles which were in news for having worms inside the noodle packet. Baba Ramdev denied that his noodle brand would be undergoing any test and added that his noodle brand is subject to stringent hygiene test and is 100% natural. “Arre bhaiyya agar kuch worms aa bhi gaye toh ye kahavat yaad rakhna ki ‘Early bird gets the worm’,” he guffawed as our reporter tried hard to make sense of what Baba Ramdev said.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court decision led to a huge debate between Congress and BJP with the opposition party accusing the ruling party of favoring the corporate.
A prime time debate on Arnab’s NewsHour debate saw spokespersons from both parties trading charges and accusing each other of misleading the nation.
“This test is a sham and biggest joke of 2016. How can they test a packet and find out the truth. I mean at least they should open the packet, boil the Maggi and then ask questions. How will Maggi reply when it still inside the packet?” questioned Sanjay Jah of the Congress Party.

CBSE lists detailed measures to limit junk food in schools

CBSE-affiliated schools will have to ensure that foods such as chips, carbonated beverages and ready-to-eat noodles are not available in school canteens and within 200 metres of schools

Regular monitoring of body mass index (BMI), height and weight of children under an expert’s consultation has also been recommended

Almost ten years after the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) first acknowledged the need for limiting junk food in schools, the Board has issued a circular last week with detailed measures to curb their availability in school canteens and replace them with healthy alternatives. The guidelines will be applicable to more than 17,000 CBSE-affiliated schools.
The circular is based on recommendations by a report titled “Addressing Consumption of Foods High in Fat, Salt and Sugar (HFSS) and Promotion of Healthy Snacks in Schools of India” of the Ministry of Women and Child Development. It asks all CBSE-affiliated schools to ensure that HFSS foods—such as chips, fried foods, carbonated beverages, ready-to-eat noodles, pizzas, burgers, potato fries and confectionery items, chocolates, candies, samosas, bread pakora—are not available in school canteens and around 200 metres of schools.
“This is an important move by government as what kids eat at home is in our control unlike what they eat outside. There needs to be some demarcation on what to do and not to do. Just by telling children not to have unhealthy food cannot help curb the situation. Practically banning it and keeping a check on tiffins will put a control by default on everyone,” says Manjari Chandra, doctor and consultant nutritionist at Max Healthcare, New Delhi.
A school canteen management committee of seven to ten members, comprising of a teacher, parent(s), student(s) and school canteen operator(s) needs to be set up in schools to decide the type of food to be prepared in canteens, quality of ingredients and raw materials used in them. Promotion of physical activity amongst school children will also be a focus area for the committee. Awareness in schools through the celebration of events like nutrition week, healthy snacking day, healthy tiffin competition and nutritious recipe competition-cum-nutrition discussion session for parents have also been recommended.
“This is a good initiative by CBSE as fast food creates problems in the long run due to which it should be kept out of children’s reach. We welcome the step wholeheartedly and will implement it successfully,” says Anju Mehrotra, principal at Kalka Public School, Alaknanda, New Delhi. Parents and caregivers should be sensitised about obesity, HFSS foods and physical activity so that they can encourage children to play sports, use skipping ropes, bicycles and stairs instead of elevators, take walks after meals and limit TV viewing. Regular monitoring of body mass index (BMI), height and weight of children under an expert’s consultation has also been recommended.
“Fast food restaurants and manufacturers target children by offering free toys, bags, tattoos in form of their favorite characters, motivating them to buy foods. Instead of marketing HFSS foods, it should be discouraged just like tobacco,” adds Chandra.
CBSE had issued six circulars between 2006 and 2008 to ensure healthy habits in school children, but they were not as comprehensive as the one issued last week. While there is no clarity on the steps the Board will take in case of non-compliance, the circular is broadly aligned with the Delhi High Court judgment of February 2015.
While CBSE has adopted the school-specific recommendations made by the court, it is now time for other ministries and departments, such as Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, to implement the recommendations made to them.
Recommendations for Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB)

• MIB controls media advertising and publicity control in India. Guidelines for the food quality of products advertised in Indian media should be urgently formulated.
• Strict regulatory measures for advertisement and promotion of prepackaged foods targeted at children should be developed. It should be ensured that false claims are not broadcast.
• Airing of HFSS food advertisements should be restricted during prime time on TV and radio (from 2:00 pm to 10:00 pm on weekdays and from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm on weekends and holidays).
• Advertising and marketing of communication of HFSS foods should be dealt in a manner similar to that of tobacco and alcohol.
• Telecasting doctors- and celebrity-endorsed HFSS food advertisements should be banned.

Labelling recommendations to FSSAI

• Nutrition facts labelling should include declaration of total fat, trans fat, saturated fat, sugar, carbohydrates, proteins, salt/sodium.
• Serving size, number of serving size per pack and contribution of per serving to RDA (in per cent) as per National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) should be mentioned.
• Total calorie count on basis of which RDA is calculated; sources of micronutrients, tagging the terms appropriately—such as good source, excellent and so on—should be included.
• For front-of-pack labelling, nutrition facts that provide information in a simpler, easy to understand figurative way should be mandatory.
• Menu labelling for non-packaged food items such as burgers and pizzas should be practiced on point-of-purchase labelling boards, or on paper wraps or boxes at fast food outlets. It should carry information on calories and nutrients per serving size and as a percentage of RDA by NIN.

Recommendations for Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW)

• Nutrition should be included in the school health programme and should be renamed as school health and nutrition programme.
• Cards issued under this programme should include nutrition-related aspects. Health and nutrition screening of each child should become mandatory for every school. Individualised counselling should be provided to the child during parent-teacher meetings.
• It is recommended that counselling and education on nutrition be included under programmes like Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram, school health programmes, Adolescent Reproductive and Sexual Health (ARSH).

Several posh hotels violate norms: FDA

Kolhapur: The surprise checks conducted by the Food and Drugs Administration officials at many luxury hotels and eateries have found several violations related to hygiene, use of sub-standard material and in some cases, packaged food being served after the expiry date.
One eatery on old Pune-Bangalore road was found using palm oil for cooking. SM Deshmukh, assistant commissioner, FDA, Kolhapur said, "Besides using palm oil for making food, they were also continuously reheating it, which is dangerous to health."
All the charges are finalised after the inspection report was shown to the officials present at the food outlets and hotels and after their confirmation.
A copy of the notice is being served on the outlets and hotels.
A notice issued on January 7 reads that a fastfood outlet had not displayed the board declaring what type of oil is being used for cooking. It was violation of the very first condition of licence under the Food Security and Standards Act 2006.
Continuous heating and reheating of oil leads to formation of trans-fatty acids, which is dangerous to health.
This is also in violation of the Schedule 4 of part 5 of regulation II-3 (j) of the Food Security and Standards Act 2006, the notice states. A copy of the notice is with the TOI.
In case of a multinational outlet that boasts about its high standards of hygiene and cleanliness, the report says that it has not kept the document certifying that the packing material used by them is of food grade quality. Hence, there are doubts about the quality of the packing material.
The food serving trays were kept near cleaning and sanitary equipment; edible and non-edible items were stored very close to each other in the store rooms.
As per the Act, there has to be sufficient distance between such items. The dust bins in the kitchen had no cover, while raw food items like tomatoes were kept in the open at the entrance of the kitchen.
The notice was served on the food outlet on January 7 and it was given 21 days to respond.
The notice also states that the outlets and hotels have to comply with the recommendations and submit a report accordingly.
If any party fails to do so, it may lose its licence, Deshmukh said.
A former mayor who owns the property of one of the hotels under scrutiny confirmed that his hotel has received a notice from the FDA. He said, "I owned the property but it is being managed by another group. The issues raised are minor such as cleanliness and covering some items properly. We will comply with it and submit the report."

DINATHANTHI NEWS

DINAMANI NEWS

DINAKARAN NEWS

Common food preservative can kill cancer cells

A common naturally occurring food preservative may be used to beat cancer and deadly, antibiotic-resistant bacteria, says a new study.
The researchers focused on the cancer-killing properties of nisin, a colorless, tasteless powder widely used as a food preservative.
"The application of nisin has advanced beyond its role as a food biopreservative," said researcher Yvonne Kapila, professor at University of Michigan School of Dentistry in the US.
"Current findings and other published data support nisin's potential use to treat antibiotic resistant infections, periodontal disease and cancer," Kapila noted.
The researchers found that feeding rats a "nisin milkshake" killed 70-80 percent of head and neck tumour cells after nine weeks and extended survival.
The mice were given a highly purified nisin dosage of 800 mg/kg. Nisin is typically added to food at the rate of .25 to 37.5 mg/kg. Many foods contain nisin, but nowhere near the 800 mg/kg needed to kill cancer cells.
Several products available to consumers also contain nisin - creams and pharmaceuticals to fight infection and mastitis, and a sanitiser in lactating cows.
Nisin also fights deadly bacteria such as antibiotic-resistant MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus).
"To date, nobody had found bacteria from humans or living animals that is resistant to nisin," Kapila said.
While promising, the results are small and in mice only, so it is too early to say if nisin will act the same way in humans, Kapila said.
The findings will appear in a forthcoming issue of the Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy.

What's in lunch box? School to see

Gurgaon: Following guidelines issued by the Food Safety and Standard Authority of India (FSSAI) on junk food in schools, CBSE has issued a circular, asking all schools to inspect students' lunch boxes and form canteen committees. Gurgaon schools have welcomed the idea of moderating student's food habits, cautioning that a total ban might push students towards junk food.
Most schools that TOI spoke to said they already have a canteen committee, comprising a nutritionist and students, and the food is evaluated and improved based on feedback from students and teachers.
"We have a canteen committee comprising senior students of the school. It is a good experience for them. We though need to devise a plan for inspecting lunch boxes," said Aditi Misra, principal of DPS Sector 45.
While well-known schools like Suncity, Amity International and Manav Rachna International have canteen committees, they were wary about inspection of lunch boxes, saying that might have its own repercussions. "While it is a good idea to monitor food habits of students, considering how detrimental junk food can be for growing kids, being too strict might just push the kids towards banned options," said Rupa Chakraborty, principal of Suncity International School, Gurgaon.
Private schools in the city welcomed the idea and said they would take all necessary measures to follow the direction from CBSE. They said such ideas should be consultative, rather than forced in a blanket ban.
Predictably, children are not very happy with lunch box inspections, though they are all for healthy eating habits. "I think while schools might keep a check, inspection of lunch boxes is a restriction of my freedom to choose what I want to eat. They can have a healthy menu and let us have food of our choice, maybe a day per week or two," said Sakshi Yadav, a Class X student.
There is also a debate on what comprises junk food, as there is confusion over what kind of pasta or noodles come under the rubric. While some schools pep up their menus by preparing healthy versions of noodles and pastas, sometimes using packaged material, FSSAI has classified all ready-to-eat noodles under the banned category.

Nestle fails in bid to quash child slavery suit

The petitioners alleged that the Swiss food manufacturer and two other companies aided and abetted human rights violations by purchasing cocoa from Ivory Coast.
The United States Supreme Court on Monday rejected an appeal by Nestle and two other companies to dismiss a child slavery case lodged against them, Reuters reported. Nestle, Archer-Daniels-Midland Co and Cargill Inc are being sued over allegations that they used child slaves to harvest cocoa in Ivory Coast.
The lawsuit was filed by former victims of child slavery in Mali. They alleged that the companies aided and abetted human rights violations by purchasing cocoa from Ivory Coast, despite being aware of the child slavery issue. They claim that the companies wanted the cheapest source of cocoa, for which they offered financial and technical assistance to local farmers.
Nestle, the world’s largest food manufacturer, was recently in the midst of a controversy in India. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India had banned its popular Maggi instant noodles, declaring it “unsafe and hazardous” due to the lead content found in it.

MAKE YOUR KIDS EAT SMART

In her new book, a fitness expert lists 10 super foods that can be brilliant catalysts for your child's intellectual and physical growth
Super foods are foods that increase energy levels, build up strength, improve immunity and make kids grow taller, stronger and healthier.
NUTS
Nuts are super snacks for your kids. Many Indian families follow the tradition of having soaked almonds early in the morning, a very healthy practice. Nuts have healthy fats. They make for a good option for mid-morning hunger pangs and snack time.
Roasted or salted nuts are easy to carry and can be consumed directly. Mothers must pack a handful of nuts for their kids in their daily tiffin so that kids are discouraged from reaching out for potato chips, cookies and fried packaged foods, which are highly processed and high in calories, sodium and fat.
An Australian study showed that adolescents who consumed nuts regularly had a healthier BMI. When compared to the calories in snacks, nutritionally, nuts are better. Most children's favourite combination of nuts is cashew nuts (good source of zinc and iron), almonds (rich in vitamin E) and pistachios (rich in iron).
BRAIN BOOSTERS: Vitamin E in nuts prevents cognitive decline as we grow older.
SALMON
Proteins from salmon are easily digestible and get quickly absorbed into the body. 100 gm salmon has 20 gm protein. It is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which help in improving mood and cognition. It also contains iron, calcium, selenium, phosphorus and vitamins A and D. But salmon should not be consumed in large amounts as it may contain traces of mercury.
BRAIN BOOSTERS: Besides salmon, tuna and sardines are also rich in omega-3. According to Bonnie Taub- Dix, RD, the more omega-3s we can get to the brain, the better it will function and the better kids will be able to focus.
EGGS
Eggs are a phenomenal source of high biological value protein. Egg white is rich in vitamins B2, B6 and D, selenium and minerals such zinc, iron and copper. There are only 12-15 calories per egg white, while the egg yolk has more calories (55- 60) and fat, and is rich in fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K. Egg also contains the carotenoids leutin and zeaxanthin, which are extremely beneficial for the eyes. The yolk contains more calcium, copper, iron, zinc, manganese, phosphorus and selenium than the white. Eggs are a good source of amino acid choline, which helps in brain development. There is a growing trend among adults to discard the egg yolk with the notion that it has a high calorie and cholesterol content. As per a study conducted by Harvard School of Public Health, egg yolk plays no role in raising cholesterol levels in the body. For those who do not eat egg, 200 ml of milk will provide the same benefit.
BRAIN BOOSTERS: Nutrients in egg like choline, omega-3, zinc and leutin help in better concentration.
BERRIES
Berries like strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and blackberries are good sources of instant energy. They are great finger food options, especially after a sports activity. They are rich in phytonutrients, antioxidants and folic acid, which help in boosting immunity. They also enhance your child's brain function and dental health.
Berries make for an excellent replacement for sweets and candies. Five strawberries have higher antioxidant levels than three apples and four bananas. Berries are also rich in quercetin, which alleviates allergies like asthma.
BRAIN BOOSTERS: Antioxidants in blueberries are known to improve learning capacity and locomotor skills.
BANANAS
Contrary to popular belief, bananas are not fattening. In fact, bananas are rich in phosphorus and an excellent source of fibre. A study by Imperial College of London stated that children who ate one banana per day had 34 per cent less chances of developing asthma. Children who are involved in competitive sports like swimming, running, etc. should have a banana for instant energy. They are a perfect hunger fix. High-energy foods like bananas are very beneficial for today's generation plagued by low energy levels and lethargy.
MILK AND YOGHURT
Many fad diets these days advise against including milk in your daily intake. On the contrary, milk is extremely important for children as it is full of good nutrients. Milk and dairy products are rich in calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and protein. Milk protein is the sole and most economic source of first-class protein in vegetarian diet that is easily available everywhere. It is known for building stronger teeth and bones, leading to their growth and development. The most absorbable form of calcium among all super foods is found in milk. Yoghurt acts a probiotic and provides gut-friendly bacteria. Children who suffer from lactose intolerance can switch to yoghurt as their source of protein. Yoghurt has a higher content of calcium than milk: 100 ml milk has 123 mg calcium, whereas 100 ml yoghurt has 150 mg calcium. Because milk and other dairy products are primary sources of calcium, children who consume limited amounts of these foods are at risk for poor bone mineralization.
In metro cities, one can also opt for organic milk to avoid the harmful effects of the adulteration of milk products. According to the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, 70 per cent of the milk samples tested in 2012 were found to be adulterated. Harmful substances like detergent and starch were found in the samples. In contrast, organic milk is free of all these substances and easily available in supermarkets these days.
Organic milk is milk from cows or buffaloes that have not been injected with artificial chemicals/hormones to produce milk. Nor have they been fed pesticide-laden grass. It has been reported that in order to meet the increasing demand for milk, these animals are injected with oxytocin to produce more milk, but this hormone can adversely affect the hormonal balance in a child's body.
Almond milk too is gaining popularity these days, but it is not a good source of protein and has a negligible amount of calcium. So it should not replace normal milk for growing children.
Milk has equal distribution of all the three macronutrients — carbohydrates (4 per cent), proteins (4 per cent) and fats (3.5 per cent) per 100 ml — which is probably why milk is also called a 'meal in a glass'.
BRAIN BOOSTERS: Fat is important for brain health. Full-fat yoghurt (especially Greek yoghurt) which has the goodness of proteins and fats helps in keeping the brain cell membrane flexible and aids in better transmittal of information.
SPINACH
The beloved cartoon character Popeye has made spinach very popular among kids. Raw or cooked spinach contains twice the amount of vitamin K you need daily. Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin that does not get diminished by cooking or washing. Spinach is also a good source of iron, calcium, potassium, manganese, fibre and vitamins B6 and A. Vitamin K, calcium and magnesium help in maintaining and improving bone health. But spinach also has coenzyme Q10, polyphenols and betaine, which are better absorbed in the body than iron. However, oxalates present in spinach prevent the absorption of iron. Vitamin-C-rich foods like lemonade or chicken cooked with spinach can help in better absorption of iron in food.
CARROTS
Carrots are rich in antioxidants, vitamin A and fibre. They make for handy, on-the-go snacks, being low in calories (one carrot has 30 calories). Carrots help in minimising dental problems in children. They help in the production of saliva that in turn helps in alkalising the acid-forming bacteria that are the cause of cavities. Being rich in vitamin A and beta-carotene, carrots improve eyesight and immunity, along with adding a glow to the skin. Raw carrots are used as a home remedy to help in treating worms in children.
BEANS AND PULSES
These are rich in iron and protein. The iron content in beans — especially kidney beans and blackeyed beans — helps restore the cognitive function to normal. The inclusion of beans and pulses in one's diet, especially in vegetarian diets, can help in better cognitive function.
WHOLE GRAIN
Whole grains have low glycaemic index. Starting the day with whole grain cereal helps children pay more attention in class. Whole grains are complex carbohydrates, that is, they are rich in fibre and are the brain's main source of nutrition. Some examples of whole grains are red millet (nachni/ragi), wholewheat (atta), oatmeal and sorghum (jowar).
BRAIN BOOSTERS: Fibre ensures that glucose is released slowly so that the brain gets a constant supply of energy.

Maggi instant food is inbuilt with dangerous levels of lead

The Indian food inspectors of Nestle India have ordered a batch of Maggi from the local shop for the presence of contagious level of lead in it. According to the recent reports of Orissa news, the Food Safety and Drug Administration (FDA) has come up with the reports stating that a recent batch of Maggi has been contaminated with high level of lead. This happened in Uttar Pradesh where two dozen packets of instant noodles were tested and the lead quotient was found. 

Nestle India to face the thrash
The Nestle India is having a very big deal with this sudden capture of the FDA inspectors and agents. The charges against them are authentic and they have to put forward their data samples and food processing ways to showcase the reason behind the presence of high level of lead. It was a routine test in which the high level of lead was found in the Maggi. According to the Orissa news, the two dozen packets of instant noodles are totally tested to find the concentration to be of 17.2 parts per million which is ppm. The acceptable limit of lead ranges from 0.01ppm to 2.5ppm The Oriya news is covering the situation created; they keep the recent updates of the contamination in Maggi.
Noodles added with contaminated Taste enhancer
The scientist has found that the noodles are added with contaminated taste enhancers. Orissa news says that the taste enhancers are found with high level of added monosodium glutamate (MSG) in the noodles. According to the record of Oriya news, orders have to be issued against the company for the sake of finding such high level of monosodium glutamate in the taste makers and taste enhancers. The Maggi noodles makers Nestle India has defended themselves saying that they strictly look after the quality and safety of the Maggi noodles as well as the taste makers.
Declaration of the Nestle India
The Nestle India, the Maggi makers, have confirmed that they do not add any kind of glutamine nor any MSG. According to the Oriya News, Maggi Company is itself surprised by such high level of lead sources in the noodles; they have confirmed that the everyday check of the level of lead is thoroughly done in their processing and creation of Maggi. It is a regulatory requirement for the creation of Maggi and the checking is done explicitly. The company spokesperson of Uttar Pradesh doubt the actual date of withdrawal of the items. Orissa news has confirmed that the Nestle India cannot recall the exact batch and doubt that maybe half of the lot has already been consumed by the people.
Oriya News update: collection of the instant Maggi packets
The collection of instant Maggi packets over two dozen have been tested before it is decided they are contaminated. Orissa news is covering the recent update on this matter and looking forward to put forward the latest news as soon as possible.
Rasmita Shetty is a very well known author and writes many articles on the recent items. She is being writing for Orissa news and covers the recent news on the major facts covering the state of affairs. Oriya news covers all the latest information written by her. Her writing skills create a center of attention for all the readers who are into following news updates.

FSSAI notifies limits of melamine in milk, dairy products

New Delhi, January 11:
To check adulteration in milk and milk products, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has notified the maximum permissible levels of the contaminant — melamine — in dairy products. The food safety authority had, in July, proposed the maximum prescribed limits and had invited public comments, which have now been notified.
According to the notification, FSSAI has imposed a permissible limit of 1 mg of melamine in every kg of powdered infant formula, 0.15 mg a kg in liquid infant formula and 2.5 mg a kg in other foods.
This has been introduced in the Food Safety and Standards (Contaminants, Toxins & Residues) Amendments Regulations 2015.

DINAMALAR NEWS

கெட்டுப்போன 20 கிலோ மீன், இறைச்சி பறிமுதல் உணவு பாதுகாப்பு அதிகாரி அதிரடி

கிருஷ் ண கிரி, ஜன.12:
கிருஷ் ண கி ரி யில் திறந்த நிலை யில் வைத் தி ருந்த தின் பண் டங் களை பறி மு தல் செய்து அழித் த னர்.
கிருஷ் ண கிரி கலெக் டர் ராஜேஷ் உத் த ர வின் பேரில், மாவட்ட நிய மன அலு வ லர் டாக் டர். கலை வாணி தலை மை யில் உணவு பாது காப்பு அலு வ லர் கள் துள சி ரா மன், சுவா மி நா தன், ராஜ சே கர், சுந் த ர மூர்த்தி, ஸ்டா லின் ரா ஜ ரத் தி னம், இளங் கோ வன், லிங் க வேல் ஆகி யோர் கொண்ட குழு வி னர், கிருஷ் ண கிரி நக ராட்சி மற் றும் சுற் றுப் பு ற ங க ளில் திடீர் ஆய்வு மேற் கொண் ட னர்.
கிருஷ் ண கிரி பஸ் நிலை யத் தில் சுகா தா ர மற்ற முறை யில் கண் ணாடி பெட்டி இல் லா மல் திறந்த நிலை யில் விற் ப னைக்கு வைத் தி ருந்த வடை, போண்டா, பஜ்ஜி, முறுக்கு, சிப்ஸ், சில் லி சிக் கன் போன்ற தின் பண் டங் களை கைப் பற்றி அழித் த னர். அத் து டன் பணி யா ரம் சுட் டு வந்த அனைத்து கடை க ளும் உட ன டி யாக அகற் றப் பட் டது.
மேலும் கிருஷ் ண கிரி நக ராட்சி மற் றும் சுற் றுப் பு றங் க ளில் கண் ணாடி பெட் டி யில் வைக் கா மல் திறந்த நிலை யில் தொங் க வி டப் பட்ட கோழி, ஆட் டி றைச்சி சுமார் 30 கிலோ பறி மு தல் செய்து அழிக் கப் பட் டது. இதே போல் பழை ய பேட் டை யில் மீன் மார்க் கெட் டி லும் ஆய்வு மேற் கொள் ளப் பட் டது.
இந்த ஆய் வின் போது ஐஸ் பெட் டி யில் கெட் டுப் போன மீன் 20 கிலோ விற் ப னைக்கு வைத் தி ருந் தது கண் டு பி டிக் கப் பட்டு, கைப் பற்றி அழிக் கப் பட் டது. மேலும் மீன் களை தரை யில் கொட்டி வைக் கா மல், கண் ணாடி பெட் டி யில் பாது காப் பாக வைக் க வும், மீன் களை சரி யான முறை யில் சுத் தம் செய்து, கடை கை ளுக்கு முன் இறைச் சி கள் மற் றும் தண் ணீர் தேங் கா மல் இருக்க கடை களை சரி செய்ய கால அவ கா சம் கொடுத்து நோட் டீஸ் வழங் கப் பட் டது.
தொடர்ந்து சுகா தா ர மற்ற முறை யில் விற் பனை செய் யும் அனைத்து கடை க ளின் மீதும் கடு மை யான நட வ டிக்கை எடுக் கப் ப டும் என வும், இது போன்ற திடீர் ஆய் வு கள் மாவட்ட முழு வ தும் தொட ரும் என மாவட்ட நிய மன அலு வ லர் எச் ச ரித் துள் ளார்.
தொடர்ந்து சுகா தா ர மற்ற முறை யில் விற் பனை செய் யும் அனைத்து கடை க ளின் மீதும் கடு மை யான நட வ டிக்கை எடுக் கப் ப டும் என வும், இது போன்ற திடீர் ஆய் வு கள் மாவட்ட முழு வ தும் தொட ரும் என மாவட்ட நிய மன அலு வ லர் எச் ச ரித் துள் ளார்.

Consumers Day observed

If you are buying food products or medicines, check for the expiry date and maximum retail price (MRP) and ask for a proper receipt. In case of buying agricultural and silk products or gold ornaments, the consumer has to look for labels of AGMARK, Silk Mark and respectively. These were the instructions given to consumers on the National Consumers Day observed in Puducherry on Monday.
Department of Food Safety officer M. Ravichandran spoke on the topic ‘Oppose Adulterated Food and the Right to Safe and Healthy food’.
Apart from this, voluntary organisations also spoke about consumer rights.
In case of disputes, people have to approach the consumer court or any voluntary organisation working on consumer rights, recognised by the Department of Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs.
Chief Minister N. Rangasamy inaugurated the National Consumers Day organised by the Puducherry government Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department.
Dos and Don’t’s to follow while buying products spelt out