Thiruvananthapuram: Vigilance report on food safety raids in ten days

The complaints coming to the offices are not being properly registered, followed up or officially reported, the press release stated.

According to the statement issued by the Bureau, the food safety authorities are not sending the food samples collected for scrutiny to the labs.

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) will be submitting a comprehensive report on the irregularities detected in the surprise inspection carried out at various food safety offices across the state within 10 days. IG of VACB H Venkitesh told DC that the Bureau is in the process of preparing a report, which would be submitted to the government very soon.

“A consolidated report with a detailed recommendation for improving the system at the food safety offices would be submitted to the government. A lot of changes need to be brought in to improve the enforcement of the food safety act. Immediate measures should be taken to address the loopholes in the system to ensure transparency,” said Mr Venkitesh.

The squads carried out extensive inspections simultaneously at 42 food safety offices across the state exposing severe anomalies in the enforcement of the Food Safety Act in the state. When asked, the officials of the Kerala Commissionerate of Food Safety refused to comment claiming that they are waiting for the report from VACB.

According to the statement issued by the Bureau, the food safety authorities are not sending the food samples collected for scrutiny to the labs. The complaints coming to the offices are not being properly registered, followed up or officially reported, the press release stated.

The food safety authorities are not doing follow up checks to ensure that the products banned by the food safety authorities are not put up for sale in the market. The officials are imposing minimal fines instead of heavy fines for severe violations. The Bureau also observed that the food safety authorities are not taking action under IPC sessions 272, 273 for food adulteration.

Delhi govt orders special drive to check quality of edible oil, food at eateries

The Delhi government has ordered a special drive for collecting samples of edible oil and prepared food from eateries across the national capital to check quality.

Food safety officers have been directed to carry a device which will help in detection of "good and bad quality" of edible oil.

According to the food safety department's order, the drive, which started on May 15, will continue till the end of this month. The order was issued on May 15.

"All designated officers are hereby directed to conduct special drive in their respective districts w.e.f 15.05.2019 to 31.05.2019 by deploying food safety officers and other staff for lifting samples of (i) edible oil and (ii) prepared food," the department said in its order.

It stated that to operate the device, the officials concerned may take assistance of supporting persons deputed by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).

"The special drive will be conducted along with official and routine field work," it added.

Food Safety Deptt declares snack Fun Fine Puff ‘unsafe’

Srinagar

Food Safety Department on Friday declared snacks “Fun Fine Puff” Brand Name “Parul Fun Fine Puff” “unsafe and misbranded,” under the provisions of Food Safety & Standards Act, 2006 Rules and Regulation, 2011.

The department issued the notice after they lifted the sample of the snacks Batch No: 696, which was declared by their laboratory as “Unsafe and Misbranded”.

The department has advised the public in general and the Stake Holders in particular in their own interest to discontinue use / stop sale and supply of above food product.

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Mango melon mania hits Chennai

FSO imposes fine on hotel

Rs.15000 fine imposed on erring traders

Irregularities found at food safety office

The official added that the food safety office does not have enough vehicles to follow up every complaint.

It is learnt that the authorities haven’t taken any follow-up action on 434 out of the total 680 complaints received till day.

Thiruvananthapuram: Hundreds of complaints received at the district food safety office remain unaddressed raising concerns on the implementation of Food Safety and Standards Act in the state. It is learnt that the authorities haven’t taken any follow-up action on 434 out of the total 680 complaints received till day. Also hundreds of lab reports of the statutory samples collected in connection with various raids and consumer complaints are pending from the Public Analytical Lab.

According to the report from the Vigilance and Anti Corruption Bureau, lab reports on 1,382 statutory samples collected from 2012 onwards are pending. A food safety official said that the lab authorities send reports only if they detect a problem with the food sample. “We take action if the lab result says it is unsafe’. The samples which are safe or not contaminated will not get reported. Hence the number of samples with pending results is showing more in the register,” said the official. 

The official added that the food safety office does not have enough vehicles to follow up every complaint.

“We have only two vehicles for carrying out inspection and responding to complaints. It’s impossible to follow up every complaint,” the official added. 

Meanwhile, the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau is planning to submit a report on the inspection to the government within 10 days.

Commissioner Food Safety inspects food establishments in Srinagar City

Srinagar

Commissioner, Food Safety J&K, Vinod Sharma on Thursday inspected various food establishments within Srinagar City to check the quality of food items and sanitary and hygienic conditions of the food establishments.

He was accompanied by Dy. Commissioner, Food Safety, Kashmir, Irfana Ahmad, Designated Officer, District Srinagar, Hilal Ahmad Mir and other concerned officers.

The food establishments inspected include SMHS, Hospital Canteens, Super Speciality Hospital Canteen, GB Panth Hospital Canteen, CH2 Hotel and other Hotels housing Move Employees.

During the inspection, one canteen inside the Super Speciality Hospital SMHS Srinagar was found in unsanitary and unhygienic condition. The catering contractor of the canteen was on-spot fined Rs 10,000.

In addition, the in-patient catering at various hospitals were also checked and the in-charges of the caterings were impressed upon to strictly follow the sanitary and hygienic requirements of Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 Rules & regulations made thereunder.

A hotel namely CH2, Sonawar was found using the expired (over-dated) ingredients in the preparation of food and using newspapers for wrapping of food items. A fine of Rs30,000/- was imposed on the hotel.

Besides various hotels housing move employees were also inspected to check the hygiene and sanitary conditions of the establishments. The food items being served to the employees were also checked. The catering in-charges of these hotels were also directed to follow the Rules & Regulations prescribed in FSS Act.

Commissioner further directed the officers of the Food Safety Organization to continue checking of quality of eatables on regular basis and also ensure the maintenance of proper hygienic conditions in cooking and serving areas. He directed staff to be more vigilant because of the forthcoming holy festival of Eid-ul-Fitr.

Beware! Mangoes ripened with ethylene powder could harm you

The food safety department allows usage of ethylene gas in very low quantity for ripening mangoes. But the use of ethylene powder is not allowed as it is multiple times stronger than gas.

Kochi: Mangoes are the major attraction in every market during summer seasons. Different varieties of mangoes are arranged in a way to lure buyers. But most of them are found to be less sweet and fragrant.

It was later discovered that raw mangoes are artificially ripened using calcium carbide. Amid the inspection and action against those who use the chemical progressing, the presence of a new chemical ‘ethylene’ has been found.

In an examination jointly conducted by the food safety department authorities and market management committee, over four tons of mango contaminated with ethylene powder was seized from Koyambedu market. The chemical is used to ripen raw mangoes. Koyambedu market is a major source of fruits and vegetables in South India.

The food safety department allows usage of ethylene gas in very low quantity for ripening mangoes. But the use of ethylene powder is not allowed as it is multiple times stronger than gas. The food safety department has warned that continuous use of ethylene will lead to serious health hazards.

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FSSAI officials seize over 800 water cans

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Food safety dept now allows ethylene method to ripen mangoes

Trichy: After banning the use of carbide stones in artificially ripening mangoes, the food safety and drug administration department is now focussing on using ethylene powder to ripen the fruit. The department has also prepared a standard operating procedure for the traders to use the powder for ripening.

While natural ripening is the undisputed method, several factors such as the time (It will take more than one week for a raw mango to turn fruit naturally) affecting the farmers and traders prompt the enforcing department to find out new ways to help them ripen mangoes quickly and reduce the financial loss. It also wants to stop the traders from using carbide stone, which produces harmful acetylene to induce the ripening process.

Till last year, the food safety and drug administration department had been pressing for using ethylene gas to ripen the mangoes. But the traders had violated the producers to be followed. They covered mangos with ethylene sprayed sheets, which turned the fruit harmful.

Hence, the food and safety officials have devised a new method this year with the help of the agriculture department that a sachet of ethephom can be used for ripening without any direct contact with the fruit. The sachet dipped in water should be kept near mangoes for 24 hours for the raw mangoes to turn fruit. Food safety & drug administration has taken initiative to persuade the traders in Chennai to try the new method. "We educated the traders in the capital to take it up recently. Many of them are following the procedure," said designated officer of Chennai Dr A Ramakrishnan.

Food safety department in Trichy organised an awareness meeting a week ago for the mango traders and sensitized them to go for natural ripening in the first place. The traders were also asked to take up the ethephom sachet technique to ripen the mangoes through ethylene gas. 

But, the traders are indifferent towards the new method. T Ravi, a mango wholesale trader at Gandhi Market, said that they are yet to test the new method. "Food safety officers advised us to use ethylene gas to ripen mangoes last year. We used them. Now, they are asking us to use ethylene," he said.

Designated officer, food safety and drug administration department of Trichy Dr R Chithra has warned the traders of severe action if found violating the instructions. "While emphasising on the natural ripening, we also tell them to try the new method. The erring traders will face legal actions," Chithra told ToI.

'Dead lizard' found in food at Haldiram's in Nagpur, FDA cracks whip

The incident took place at the outlet located at Ajani square on Tuesday morning.

The picture of the dead lizard found in 'vada sambar' went viral on social media.

A man allegedly found a dead lizard in a food item served at the snacks major Haldiram's outlet in Nagpur, a Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) official said on Wednesday. The incident took place at the outlet located at Ajani square on Tuesday morning.

The picture of the dead lizard found in 'vada sambar' went viral on social media."The man and a woman accompanying him, both from Wardha, had ordered vada sambar at the outlet. But while eating, the man found a dead lizard in the food. They brought this to the notice of the outlet's supervisor, who later on threw it away," assistant commissioner of FDA (Nagpur) Milind Deshpande told PTI.

"They were later admitted to a private hospital and discharged on Wednesday," he added.The duo, however, neither spoke to media, not lodged a complaint in this regard."

The FDA was informed about it in the evening, after which we immediately visited the Haldiram's outlet and conducted an inspection. We found certain deficiencies in its kitchen. The windows of the kitchen need to be fitted with nets, which was missing," Deshpande said.

"The FDA has closed the outlet till they complete the compliance as per the Food Safety and Standards (Food business licences and Registration) regulations 2011. They have submitted a compliance report to us. We will inspect the premises and if we find the steps taken are satisfactory, only then we will allow it to reopen," he added. 

When contacted, a senior office-bearer of Haldiram's told PTI that they doubted the veracity of consumers' claim. 

"But we admitted them to nearby hospital. They were kept under observation for 24 hours and their medical reports were normal. They have been discharged today."We have submitted a compliance report to the FDA," hesaid.

Plastic pollution harms bacteria

78% can’t detect truth behind ripe mangoes

Private Survey Flags Poor Awareness On Adulteration

Chennai:

Consumer awareness on adulteration in mangoes is rather low, according to a study released by a private survey group on Wednesday.

Of the 13,000 people surveyed, around 78% said they don't know how to identify artificially ripened mangoes.

This information comes against the backdrop of intensified search and raid operations by the state food safety and drug administration department in fruit shops in and around Chennai.

As far as the city is concerned, there are 120 shops in Koyambedu market which sell mangoes. Apart from this, around 70 private retailers sell mangoes on a prominent scale on a regular basis.

Ahead of this year's mango season, authorities had conducted three meetings with these shop owners and held sessions on the dos and don’ts for ripening of fruits.

At the end of these sessions, notices were issued explaining the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) and consequences they’ll face in case of violations.

“This is to ensure that the shopkeepers don’t claim acquittal on humanitarian basis as was done in the past. So far, we have booked cases against four shops – three in Koyambedu and one in T Nagar – under Sections 50 and 55 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006,” said A Ramakrishnan, designated food safety officer of Chennai district.

The District Revenue Officer is the aggregation officer who will hear these cases, and impose fine of up to ₹4 lakh on each of the violators, he added. “Besides, 8-10% of direct fruit usage will be scanned on a daily basis.”

All four shops were caught red-handed for using ethylene sachets in direct contact with mangoes.

The study, however, pointed out that popular online food retail apps sell mangoes that are ripened using ethylene, claiming that ethylene ripening is permitted by Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).

Rejecting this, TN food safety department authorities said direct contact of ethylene sachets is barred as per the SOP released by FSSAI last December.

Rather, fruit shops are allowed to undertake ethylene ripening only at the rate of one sachet per 10 kg of mangoes. The sachet should be soaked in water and kept inside a small perforated plastic box (one cm area). This box can be placed in an airtight box containing mangoes and should be removed after 24 hours.

An interesting issue this mango season is that no calcium carbide stones were used for artificial ripening processes. These stones cause cancer and neurological problems.

FSSAI ORDER

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Chennai: 4.5 tonne mangoes seized in Koyambedu

Three shops sealed for violation of ripening norms.

Officials of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and Market Management Committee (MMC) inspecting fruit shops in Koyambedu, in a bid to stop the practice of use of ethylene sachets by vendors for ripening of fruits 

Chennai: Officials from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and Market Management Committee (MMC) conducted a joint inspection at fruit shops in Koyambedu and Ashok Nagar on Tuesday.

The raid was carried out at around 12:30 pm in nearly 25 shops at Koyambedu. Three shops were sealed after the raids and around 4.5 tonnes of mangoes were seized for using ethylene sachets in direct contact with the fruits. Ethylene sachets were used for artificial ripening of mangoes. The seized fruits were destroyed at the Koyambedu biomethanation plant by the FSSAI and MMC officials. The total value of goods destroyed is estimated to be Rs. 3,15,000.

The FSSAI permits the use of 100 ppm of gaseous ethylene for artificial ripening. Ethylene sachets (containing three grams of powdered ethylene) are usually used by vendors for artificial ripening. According to FSSAI guidelines, one sachet of ethylene can be used to ripen five kilograms of fruit. These ethylene sachets, however, should not be placed in direct contact with the fruits. The fruits should either be covered in paper or the ethylene sachets should be placed in containers with air holes to prevent ethylene deposition on the fruits during ripening.

"The FSSAI has conducted several awareness programmes in the past and issued food safety guidelines to fruit and vegetable vendors. Even banners to this effect have been put up in these places. But, these shop owners have violated food safety norms and put consumers' health at risk. A notice has been served to these shops under Section 55 of IPC and a case will soon be filed against the offenders," said an FSSAI official who was part of the squad.

A similar raid was conducted at Ashok Nagar, 11th Avenue and around 530 kilograms of mangoes ripened by direct use of ethylene was seized and destroyed.

4500kg of artificially ripened mangoes seized

CHENNAI: Food safety and drug administration officials on Tuesday seized and destroyed 4.5 tonnes of mangoes artificially ripened using ethylene sachets from Ashok Nagar and Koyambedu.

In a raid carried along 11th Avenue in Ashok Nagar, a fruit vendor was found using ethylene sachets to ripen mangoes. “530kg of mangoes were seized ,” said an official.

The team of officials then went to the Koyambedu wholesale fruit market and raided 20 vendors, three of whom were found using ethylene powder to ripen mangoes. Sachets were dropped inside cartons in direct contact with the mangoes. “We seized nearly 4,000kg of mangoes that were then destroyed at the Koyambedu biomethanation plant,” said an official. The vendors were issued notices under section 50 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, he said.

Ethylene is used to ripen fruits such as mangoes inside chambers, but at controlled levels. Use of ethylene sachets in direct contact with mangoes, however, is dissuaded as quantity of the gas released cannot be regulated and fruits ripen within a day against the minimum 36 hours taken in a special chamber.

Consumers can identify artificially ripened fruits by the non-uniform colour. Health experts say artificially ripened fruits should be avoided as they can cause gastric trouble, stomach ulcers, and even cancer.

Common food additive may harm gut health: Study

Published in the journal Frontiers in Nutrition, the study investigated the health impacts of food additive E171 (titanium dioxide nanoparticles) which is used in high quantities in foods and some medicines as a whitening agent.

While nanoparticles have been commonly used in medicines, foods, clothing, and other applications, the possible impacts of nanoparticles, especially their long term effects, are still poorly understood. 

A common additive used in many food items such as chewing gum and mayonnaise may have a substantial and harmful influence on human gut health, a study has found.

Published in the journal Frontiers in Nutrition, the study investigated the health impacts of food additive E171 (titanium dioxide nanoparticles) which is used in high quantities in foods and some medicines as a whitening agent.

Found in more than 900 food products such as chewing gum and mayonnaise, E171 is consumed in high proportion everyday by the general population, said researchers from the University of Sydney in Australia.

The study in mice found that consumption of food containing E171 has an impact on the gut microbiota – the trillions of bacteria that inhabit the gut – which could trigger diseases such as inflammatory bowel diseases and colorectal cancer.

“The aim of this research is to stimulate discussions on new standards and regulations to ensure safe use of nanoparticles in Australia and globally,” said Associate Professor Wojciech Chrzanowski, from the University of Sydney.

While nanoparticles have been commonly used in medicines, foods, clothing, and other applications, the possible impacts of nanoparticles, especially their long term effects, are still poorly understood.

Titanium dioxide consumption has considerably increased in the last decade and has already been linked to several medical conditions, and although it is approved in food, there is insufficient evidence about its safety.

Increasing rates of dementia, auto-immune diseases, cancer metastasis, eczema, asthma, and autism are among a growing list of diseases that have been linked to soaring exposure to nanoparticles.

“It is well established that dietary composition has an impact on physiology and health, yet the role of food additives is poorly understood,” said Chrzanowski.

“There is increasing evidence that continuous exposure to nanoparticles has an impact on gut microbiota composition, and since gut microbiota is a gate keeper of our health, any changes to its function have an influence on overall health,” Chrzanowski said.

“This study presents pivotal evidence that consumption of food containing food additive E171 (titanium dioxide) affects gut microbiota as well as inflammation in the gut, which could lead to diseases such as inflammatory bowel diseases and colorectal cancer,” he said.

“Our research showed that titanium dioxide interacts with bacteria in the gut and impairs some of their functions which may result in the development of diseases,” said Associate Professor Laurence Macia from the University of Sydney.

“We are saying that its consumption should be better regulated by food authorities,” Macia said.

“This study investigated effects of titanium dioxide on gut health in mice and found that titanium dioxide did not change the composition of gut microbiota, but instead it affected bacteria activity and promoted their growth in a form of undesired biofilm.

Market checking in Kargil, fine imposed

Srinagar

An inspection team headed by Tehsildar Kargil Muhammad Salim Wazir and comprised of the members of the Enforcement Wing of FCS&CA, Inspector Food Safety, Municipal Committee and Police personnel conducted a market checking drive in various markets of Kargil town.

The spokesman said that drive was conducted from Fatima Chowk to Islamia School Chowk, Fruit Mandis of Kargil town and other business establishments.

The team thoroughly inspected more than 70 establishments and took stock of the hygienic conditions of food items like vegetables, fruits, meat and other food items available in the market. The charging of rates and other set standards were also checked.

During the course of the inspection, 10 business establishments were penalized on spot for violating the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006 and Essential Commodities Act. A fine of Rs 4700 was collected from the offenders on spot.

Huge quantity of stale fruits and vegetables were also seized and destroyed on spot.

The shopkeepers and traders were asked to display the rate list prominently at their establishments besides maintaining cleanliness.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Commissioner has appealed all the traders to avoid black marketing or hoarding and warned of stern action against the violators under rules.

Specific directions have also been issued to the concerned officers to carry out frequent inspection and checking of the market so as to curb overcharging, black marketing, use of polythene and sale of substandard food items.

Gangs smuggle tobacco on trains

NIN's unscientific report on Akshaya Patra food flayed

Civil society activists and NGOs on Monday demanded that the National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) withdraw its report approving the nutritional value of food supplied by the Akshaya Patra Foundation as part of the mid-day meals scheme without proper scientific assessment.

In a letter to the NIN, they expressed their dismay at the institute's "unscientific, biased and irresponsible" response to the Karnataka government request about technical inputs on nutritional adequacy, bio-availability, diet diversity, taste and food safety and hygiene by the APF.

The APF has been supplying food to 2,814 schools in Karnataka as part of the mid-day meals scheme, which aims at providing students nutritious meals containing locally and culturally relevant food.

The Karnataka government had written to the NIN and the Central Food Technical Research Institute after the APF refused to provide eggs or use onion and garlic in the food calling them "tamasic".

"Since onions and garlic are part of the traditional foods, like sambhar in Karnataka, and hence has been included as part of the menu prescribed by the state government, their non-inclusion by the APF was raised by the Karnataka State Food Commission and civil society groups," reads the letter.

While CFTRI has refused to comment, the activists said, the NIN, to their "utter shock and dismay", made sweeping statements praising the APF, without carrying out any systematic scientific study.

"No empirical data was collected on the quantity and quality of ingredients used or amount consumed and amount wasted by children to certify food supplied by the APF as nutritionally adequate. Instead, a paper menu submitted by the APF was considered as evidence to comment on an aspect of the scheme, which has nutritional impact on lakhs of children!" reads the letter.

Even more shockingly, without visiting a single school or speaking to children consuming the food, the NIN took the unwarranted liberty of commenting on the taste and safety of the food, it said and added that "flies in the face of observations" by the State Food Commission on monotony of the food supplied by the APF or media reports of children vomiting after consuming the food on some occasions.

Activists said the eagerness exhibited by the NIN to offer opinions in this case raised "serious questions" about its credibility and independence.

"In view of the NIN's history and tradition of rigorous scientific research and considering that the nutritional future of thousands of children studying in government schools and availing mid-day meals has been undermined by the unscientific report submitted by it to the Karnataka government, we urge you to withdraw the report immediately, pending a systematic field evaluation of the food being supplied by APF," they demanded in the letter.

Icemaking units put health at risk

HIGHLIGHTS

• Unauthorised icemaking units mushrooming in the district are making ice using contaminated water, possibly containing E Coli bacterium
• Though rules stipulate that every icemaker should have a reverse osmosis plant, none of the about 150 units in the district has any such plant
• Units are allegedly supplying the ice they make normally for fish traders for storage of aqua products to food and drink businesses too

Rajamahendravaram: With little oversight from the department concerned, the thriving icemaking units in the district are posing a danger to the health to the people.

As investment is not much, several units have come up in the district to cater the needs of people in the sizzling summer.

According to information, around 150 icemaking units are functioning in the district without the knowledge of food safety and control department.

Ice is in heavy demand from juice shops, soft drink parlours, soda shops, small restaurants and other summer businesses due to summer.

The icemaking units, which normally make ice using unclean water for mainly fish traders to store fish and other aqua products, are said to be supplying the same to these businesses too.

According to sources, E Coli (Escherichia coli) bacterium which is present in the the ice made of poor quality water has become a health hazard to the people after consuming foods and drinks in which the ice is used.

E Coli bacterium reduces the stamina in the body to prevent diseases making them prone to more serious infections.

The people who are not aware of these risks, ask juice vendors to add more ice in the drinks.

As per government guidelines, the ice manufacturing units should own an RO (reverse osmosis) plant and use purified water but many icemaking units have no such plants but doing good business using contaminated water.

When contacted, food safety and control department district assistant controller K Nageswara Rao said that so far they had not given any licence to any icemaking unit in the district.

The department will give licences to icemaking units after they were sent by department of industries, he said.

FDA finds 112 outlets operating sans licence

Documentation had been made mandatory for Swiggy, Zomato and others in the business.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is keeping a close watch on online food businesses and has taken several steps to ensure compliance in the state of Maharashtra. 

Mumbai: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is keeping a close watch on online food businesses and has taken several steps to ensure compliance in the state of Maharashtra.

In the last few months, the FDA has conducted raids on almost 350 online food delivery outlets and found nearly 112 out of them operating sans licences.

Many of them have been found operating out of unhygienic places. “We have filed 200 such cases against them. These actions will benefit consumers in the long run,” said state FDA commissioner Dr Pallavi Darade.

FDA officials said that they had already issued notices to Swiggy and Zomato, asking them to get their delivery partners registered as per food safety rules. Documentation had been made mandatory for Swiggy, Zomato and others.

Following the declaration of intent, the Maharashtra FDA said that if they failed to comply, online food aggregators would have to face action.

A senior FDA officer said, “Around 10,000 food delivery partners work with different online platforms, but merely a handful are registered. If found not fulfilling the guidelines especially meant for them, we have taken action against them.”

State Food and Drug Administration commissioner Darade said, “Such registration is mandatory as per food safety rules. Without it, food aggregators, all of whom have been told to take responsibility, cannot conduct business. They need to get delivery partners registered with the FDA. This will help the government raise revenue and citizens avail hygienic food. In the past, too, we have taken action against such outfits for collecting edibles from unregistered food business operators. Cases were also filed.”

HC directs food safety dept to act on plea over adulterated edible oil

Madurai: The Madurai bench of the Madras high court has directed the commissioner of food safety to consider a petition by an advocate from Sivaganga district, alleging adulteration of edible oil by manufacturers and vendors in Singampunari town panchayat and take appropriate action. 

M Balaji, the advocate in his petition stated that he has forwarded several complaints to the food safety commissioner to take action against edible oil manufacturers, wholesale and retail vendors for selling unlabelled oil in improperly packed packages in Singampunari. 

The petitioner had also sought for disciplinary action against the food safety officer for failure to discharge his duty as per the Food Safety and Standard Act, 2006. 

According to the petitioner, there are oil mills and vendors in the panchayat with a yearly turnover of several crores of rupees in the business.

“Some money-minded persons are indulging in selling adulterated edible oils by simply mixing the low price oils with high priced ones irrespective of varieties,” the petitioner stated and added that he made several written complaints and sent petitions through WhatsApp, but no action was taken. 

When the petition came up for hearing, the additional government pleader submitted that the petitioner’s concerns would be looked into.

Recording the submissions, a division bench of justice K Kalyanasundaram and justice R Tharani, without going into the merits of the matter, directed the commissioner of food safety to consider the petition and take appropriate action purely on merits and in accordance with law, within a period of three months.

FSSAI ORDER

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Hepatitis A virus sees 300% rise, says report

Fight against trans-fatty acids

Consumption of TFAs directly linked to cardiovascular diseases

Hyderabad: There is a sense of urgency and a concerted effort has been launched by national and international government agencies and organisations in the field of public health to limit consumption of Trans-Fatty Acids (TFA) in our daily diet in the next few years.

The seriousness with which World Health Organisation (WHO) and Indian food regulatory agencies, including Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) are targeting food with trans-fat is understandable, given the direct link of TFA to cardiovascular ailments and deaths.

In India, trans-fatty acids are commonly known as Vanaspati, which is directly linked to causing heart diseases. In fact, according to WHO, every year TFA on an average causes an estimated 5 lakh deaths globally. In the first week of May, the WHO achieved a major feat when it convinced International Food and Beverage Alliance (IFBA) to work for elimination of industrially produced TFA from food supply chain by 2023. Last year the FSSAI has launched a campaign to eliminate use of Vanaspati in India by 2022 through active engagement with industries.

So why Vanaspati is bad for us?

Vanaspati or Trans-fatty acids (TFA) are not natural and are prepared through an industrial process known as hydrogenation, which in simple terms is hardening or solidifying vegetable oils. TFA also occurs naturally but at very lower quantities in meat and dairy products from cattle, sheep, goats, and camels.

In India, Vanaspati is still used as a substitute for ghee in cooking and the preparation of bakery products, sweets and snack foods. These oils are most frequently found in baked and fried foods, prepared or pre-packaged snacks and food, and cooking oils and spreads.

Initially developed as a replacement for animal fats such as butter, TFA are now increasingly utilised by industries because they provide longer shelf life to oils and food products. Moreover, TFA are far cheaper than animal fats and also change the texture and taste of food.

Industrially produced TFA were first introduced into the food supply in the late 19th and early 20th centuries with the invention of partially hydrogenated oils. Partially hydrogenated oils became more popular in the 1950s-1970s. However, by the late 20th century, an extensive body of evidence had accumulated from various studies on the negative metabolic effects of TFA as well as on the relationship between TFA intake and coronary heart disease.

TFA and its impact on health:

In the last few years, a series of international and national research papers have directly linked TFA to coronary heart diseases (CHD). According to Hyderabad-based National Institute of Nutrition (NIN), the daily intake of TFA should not exceed 1 per cent of energy intake.

Doctors and researchers have also found that TFA causes a rise in LDL Cholesterol levels (Bad cholesterol) and lowers good Cholesterol (HDL). It also increases risk of developing heart disease and stroke and is associated with a higher risk of causing type 2 Diabetes.

According to the WHO, ‘replacement of TFA with unsaturated fatty acids decreases the risk of CHD, in part, by ameliorating the negative effects of TFA on blood lipids. In addition, there are indications that TFA may increase inflammation and endothelial dysfunction’.

How much TFA is good?

WHO recommends that total TFA intake be limited to less than 1 per cent of total energy intake, which translates to less than 2.2 grams per day in a typical 2,000 calorie diet and elimination of industrially-produced TFA from the food supply is critical to achieving this aim.

By decreasing the risk of CHD events and mortality, it will help reduce premature death from NCDs, one of the health targets of United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Elimination of industrially-produced TFA will also contribute to the creation of an enabling food environment which promotes healthy diets and help achieve the global nutrition and diet-related NCD disease targets.

FDA warns mango growers: Ripen them naturally or face action

Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has permitted ethephon powder to be used to ripen mangoes. Last year, after the mango season FSSAI published it directive on August 16.

Food and Drug Authority (FDA) has warned that mangoes should be ripened naturally or it would take action. Directive after research Merchants throughout the Country still use calcium carbide for ripening mangoes.

This banned chemical causes cancer and has been proved through research. Hence the government takes strict action against merchants who use this banned substance.

Noted the merchants started using ethephon powder but FDA official stock action against its use too. Many samples were taken from Kalamana market and sent for analysis. FSSAI, after the season, directed that ethephon powder could be used and so all merchants are using this powder.

FSSAI claims that mangoes, ripened through this chemical, were nutritious. Mangoes ripen due to ethylene gas Cheap ethephon powder is imported in large quantities from China and South Korea.

A pouch of this powder kept in a box emanates ethylene gas and ripens the fruit faster which can be brought to the market. Earlier, the grass kept in the mango box also used to give out ethylene gas and ripen the fruit.

However this process is time consuming and merchants want to make profits faster. Powder should not touch fruits FSSAI directive stipulates that, ethephon powder should not directly touch the fruit. If it touches, it can cause serious diseases. The pouch has to be kept in the box.

Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 has prohibited the use of calcium carbide and action is taken against the individual using it under Sec 59 of the Act.4 Kalamana merchants have gas chamber.

Four merchants in Kalmana have gas chambers for ripening mangoes where ethephon powder is used. Construction of the chamber requires large amount of land and money. Hence small merchants do not construct such gas chambers and ripe mangoes inboxes with ethephon powder.

DINAKARAN NEWS

DINAKARAN NEWS

FSSAI order

Soon milk to be part of noon meal scheme

NO ADDED SUGARS? THINK AGAIN, WRAPPER MAY BE MISLEADING YOU

Anything That Ends With ‘Ose’ Is Sugar; But Most Chennaiites Are Unaware, Finds Study

What’s in a name? An ‘ose’, say diabetologists, by every one of its names is just as sweet and harmful. And more frightening is that according to a just-published study, most Chennaiites may not be able to tell their sugars apart.

A recent study on ‘Perception of Sugar Content in Food Labels among Supermarket Consumers in Chennai City’ found that 77% of the respondents did not look specifically for sugar content in the food they were buying although a majority were aware of the ill effects of sugar consumption. Only 2% read the contents on the label, the rest were more interested in brand, offers and price. Also, only 29% were aware of terms such as artificial sweeteners and non-caloric sweeteners.

The study, conducted by Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Sri Venkateswara Dental College and Hospital and funded by the Indian Council of Medical Research, was published in the Journal of Pierre Fauchard Academy (India Section) this March.

The ‘no added sugars’, ‘no added flavours’, and ‘no added preservatives’ all add up, says Dr Poorni Saravanan, one of the lead authors of the study. “Corn starch, for instance, is a hidden sugar, which many were not aware of,” she says. While the study was originally undertaken with dental caries in mind, says Dr Poorni, it took a more serious turn when the researchers realized people were not aware of the contents of the food they were buying.

Sugar can be listed under 61 different names, but the rule of thumb, says dietician Shiny Chandran, is that anything on the label that ends with an ‘ose’ has sugar. And that means dextrose, lactose, fructose and glucose. “It is best if the sugar content is less than 3% of all the ingredients,” she says. “Cookies, breakfast cereal, Indian-Chinese fusion food, all contain sugars. Everything that is supposedly low fat contain hidden sugars because that’s the only way to enhance taste.”

WHO guidelines recommend adults and children to reduce the daily intake of free sugars to less than 10% of their total energy intake. A further reduction to below 5% or roughly 25 grams (6 teaspoons) per day would provide additional health benefits, say the guidelines.

Dr Vijay Viswanathan of the M V Hospital for Diabetes says most of his patients are also not aware that there are two types of artificial sweeteners – caloric and non-caloric (like stevia). “People assume all sweeteners are good for them. Maltodextrin for instance is a caloric sweetener so those with issues of obesity and fatty liver and diabetes need to be wary. Most diabetic sweets contain the caloric sweetener lactulose and to make it more palatable, fat is added,” he says.

Dr Poorni says the study also threw up a problem that is unique to India. “The contents are listed in English and this is a barrier for most consumers. It has to addressed by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India,” she says.

It;s yum & Sweet, But is it SAFE?

Coca-cola can kill health research it funds

40000 kg adulterated spices seized

Banned stapler pins on your tea bags? FDA is waiting for your complaint

Says can't act unless it receives complaints, has no manpower to conduct checks itself. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) banned the usage of stapler pins in tea bags and sent a circular saying so in July 2017

A loose staple pin could be consumed and cause serious health issues. 

Despite the ban on the use of stapler pins in tea bags in 2017, manufacturers continue to use them widely. Yet, the Maharashtra Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) has no case of any violations. That's because, officials claimed, they haven't received any complaints regarding this and don't have the manpower to conduct inspections at night, when many tea sellers who use such tea bags, go about their business.

No Complaints, Staff Shortage

Speaking to mid-day, Pallavi Darade, FDA commissioner said, "So far, we haven't received any complaint from people regarding it. If we do, then we can certainly look into it."

Another officer said the FDA office is reeling under a staff crunch, because of which they can't even hold regular inspections to find violators. "Most tea sellers who use tea bags do their business at night, so we need to keep an eye on them. But, sadly, we don't have the staff strength to conduct these inspections. Regarding private companies using them, we need to get complaints, which we haven't yet," the officer added.

FSSAI's Ban

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) banned the usage of stapler pins in tea bags and sent a circular saying so in July 2017. The use of staple pins in tea bags is a hazard to consumers, since any loose staple pin consumed inadvertently with tea may cause serious health issues. The pins are made of steel coated with zinc but are also known to be made of galvanised iron coated with zinc. "Taking cognisance of the risk to public safety in using staple pins in tea bags by some FBOs, the Food Authority in exercise of the power conferred under Section 16 (5) of FSS Act, 2006, hereby directs the concerned FBOs to discontinue the manufacture, storage, distribution, sale, and import of stapled tea bags by January 1, 2018," reads the circular. The commissioners of Food Safety of all States/UTs were directed to take necessary action to prevent the usage of unsafe packaging material and take up measures for enforcement of this direction from January 1, 2018.

Doctors Caution

Doctors have cautioned consumers that usage of such pins in tea bags can even prove deadly if one gets mixed in the tea and is consumed. "In the past, there have been incidents where people have swallowed stapler pins. As these pins are also made of iron coated by zinc, it may prove harmful to the stomach's internal lining. It may cause bleeding and even poisoning," said Dr Rasheed Sheikh, a general physician.

2017

When the FSSAI banned the use of stapler pins in tea bags

240kg gutka smuggled out via Central stn parcel office

Chennai:

The Chennai police have found that 240kg of banned gutka was smuggled into Chennai from Bengaluru on train number 12658 Bengaluru Mail on Wednesday morning.

Southern Railway has ordered a high-level probe into the lapse.

That the contraband, packed in six bundles, was loaded on a leased parcel van coupled at the front of the train, unloaded on platform 9 of MGR Central station around 5:45am and taken out through the parcel office on a tempo has shocked officials.

The leased parcel vans are given out on contract to private parties who pay railways a fee. Southern Railway has initiated a process to ask the lease holder for an explanation, said an official.

The tempo was on its way towards the Elephant Gate area when police from the C2 Elephant Gate police station intercepted it. After checking CCTV footage, they established the sequence of events.

TOI has already reported on irregularities at the station’s parcel office. Officials said many contraband items pass through the parcel office unchecked. Last week, red sanders was seized from its premises. Also, gutka from the northern states used to be brought to Tamil Nadu on the Hazrat Nizamuddin-Kanyakumari Thirukkural Express. The train, which started from New Delhi, stopped for an additional15 minutes in Madurai where the contraband was unloaded. Three big seizures were made from the parcel vans of the trains.

An official said recently the RPF had flagged how there were many cases of theft, robbery or other malpractices involving leased parcel vans but the Government Railway Police was reluctant to file cases and investigate.