A mere 4 food inspectors for Hyderabad’s 20,000 eateries

Jurisdiction: 625 sq. km. Population: 78 lakh plus. Eateries: 20,000 plus. And the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) has just four officers to ensure food safety under its jurisdiction.
Under the Food Safety & Standards Act, the city administration should have adequate number of food safety officers to monitor all food establishments, draw samples for analysis and surveillance, act against unsafe food and ensure that food poisoning or similar such episodes do not occur.
However, against a team of officials with the required assisting staff and other paraphernalia, the GHMC has just four officers. According to Corporation estimates, there are more than 20,000 eateries of varying scope, from roadside pushcart vendors to star hotels. Add to them, other facilities such as school and college hostel canteens, working men and women hostels and canteens at government offices, and the list goes on.
“We are expected to monitor all these facilities and ensure that food and water are proper, that there is no contamination or poisoning, that kitchens and serving areas are clean and hygienic, and that no stale food is being dished out,” says a senior official.
He asks, “Yes, we have to do all of this. But can only four officials with little or no support staff do it?”
The Corporation has been looking forward to having more food safety officers on its rolls. It was also decided to have an officer each for its 18 circles. Even staff strengthening seems a distant possibility, say senior officials.
“It might take a year, two years or more also. We do not know,” says a health and sanitation wing official.
The shortage of staff is obvious from the fact that though the city has such a large number of eateries, Food Inspectors could book only 45 cases in 2010, 54 in 2011 and 135 in 2012. Additional Commissioner (Health & Sanitation) L.Vandan Kumar concedes staff shortage and says that the Corporation is hoping to get 18 Circle-wise officers soon.
“For now, we are focusing on areas with heavy concentration of eateries. Weekly targets are given to our officers, and review held at the weekend,” he says.
Canteens at school and college hostels have been listed out for inspection next week.
“We have some complaints, and we intend acting on them,” Mr. Kumar says.
Incidentally, the civic administration of a happening city like Hyderabad does not even have a laboratory of its own to test food samples collected during raids, forcing it to depend on other institutions.

Notices issued to 15 'thattukadas'

KOCHI: The food safety department on Monday issued notices to 15 roadside eateries in the city for violating various rules and operating in unhygienic conditions. The notices were issued during a special drive conducted in the city as part of the statewide drive by the district food safety officials following a direction from the food safety commissioner, Biju Prabhakar.
The drive focused on eateries at Ernakulam south and High Court Junction, among others. Violations revealed during the drive include keeping food uncovered, operating without valid licences from the food safety department, use of colours, unhygienic surroundings and lack of personal hygiene. According to the food safety department, the commissioner had received several complaints about roadside eateries recently. Though no written complaints were received from Kochi, officials admitted that they were informed by public about violations by roadside eateries over the phone. The drive was conducted from 5pm to 8pm.
"No fines were imposed on eateries as this was the first stage of the drive. But we will levy fines if they are found violating the law again," said V N Sasikumar, food safety inspector. He added that the drive would continue in the coming days also. The food safety department had recently issued notices to seven model 'thattukdas', which were introduced as part of a Kochi corporation project to ensure hygiene at eateries. "They were given certain guidelines for operating, including hygiene, use of potable water for cooking. But many were found violating those norms," said Sasikumar.

சீர்காழி பகுதியில் புகையிலை பொருட்கள் விற்பனை ஜோர் நடவடிக்கை எடுக்கப்படுமா?

சீர்காழி, ஆக.27:

நாகை மாவட்டம் சீர்காழி, கொள் ளிடம், புதுப்பட்டினம், வைத்தீஸ்வரன்கோயில், திருவெண்காடு, பொறை யார் உள்ளிட்ட பகுதிகளில் தமிழக அரசால் தடை செய்யப்பட்ட பான்பராக், குட்கா போன்ற போதை பொருட்கள் அமோகமாக விற்பனை செய்யப்பட்டு வருகிறது.

அரசால் தடை செய்வதற்கு முன் ஹான்ஸ் புகையிலை ரூ.4க்கும், பான்பாராக் ரூ.3க்கும், குட்கா ரூ.5க்கும் விற்பனை செய்யப்பட்டு வந்தது. தற் போது ஹான்ஸ் புகையிலை பாக்கெட் ரூ.10க்கும், பான் பாராக் 8 ரூபாய்க்கும், குட்கா ரூ.10 ரூபாய்க்கும் விற்பனை செய்யப்படுகிறது. தமிழக அரசு பொதுமக்கள் நலன் கருதி போதை பொருட்களான பான் பாராக், குட்கா, ஹான்ஸ் போன்ற பொருட்களை தடை செய்தது. ஆனால் பெரும்பாலான கடைகளில் இந்த பொருட்கள் கூடுதல் விலைக்கு விற்பனை செய்யப்படுகிறது. போலீசார் பெயரளவில் மட்டும் ஒரு சில கடைகளில் சோதனை யிட்டு பான்பாராக், குட்கா, ஹான்ஸ் போன்ற பொருட் களை பறிமுதல் செய்து அழிக்கின்றனர். ஆனால் புற்றீசல்போல் மீண்டும் பெரும்பாலான கடைகளில் போதை பொருட்கள் விற்பனை அமோகமாக நடைபெற்று வருகிறது.

எனவே மாவட்ட நிர்வாகம் அனைத்து கடைகளிலும் சோதனை நடத்தி போதை பொருட்கள் விற்பனையை தடுக்க கடும் நடவடிக்கை எடுக்க வேண்டும் என்பதே அனைவரின் எதிர்பார்ப்பாக உள்ளது.

Consumer finds metal rod inside soft drink bottle

He is now seeking 5 lakh compensation from the soft drink’s maker Francis Kumar felt a chill in his bones when he saw the Coca-Cola bottle he had ordered at a restauranton August11.The sealed softdrink bottle that was served on his table had a “metal rod” inside. He is now demanding the manufacturer pays him Rs 5 lakh compensation, failing which he would file a case against it.
The31-year-old,workingasarecoveryofficer with a finance firm, said, “I was having dinner at a bar-and-restaurant at BTM Layout, I Stage. WhenIwasservedthebeverage.Iwasshockedto see a six-inch metal rod inside the sealed 300 ml bottle. If I had consumed it without checking, I wouldhavehurtmyselforfallensick.Therestaurant owner said he had nothing to do with it as the bottles are supplied by the manufacturer. The shock has put me off all kinds of beverages. I am even afraid of eating out. I am scared of buying packaged food products.”
KumarsentalegalnoticetoCoca-Cola’smaker, Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages, through his advocate on August 15 demanding a compensation of Rs 5 lakh failing which he has threatened to drag the company to court.
The notice alleges that manufacturing date andotherparticularsonthebottleoftheneckare not clearly visible. It says that if Kumar had consumed the beverage without noticing the ‘metal rod’, the damages could not have been compensated in terms of money.
The notice adds, “The negligence on the part of your company in inserting a steel rod inside a bottle and supplying it to the general public for consumption is against the principles and guidelines for food industry issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India.”
In reply to an email by BANGALORE MIRROR, a spokesperson for Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages Pvt Ltd said, “We have received the notice and will respond to it after examining the facts. We take this opportunity to reiterate that beverages produced by us adhere to world class standards.”


The Coca-Cola bottle with a metal rod inside

Food Safety Officers register 13,682 units in Tuticorin

Registration certificates, licences given to 2,622 State-run units

Food Safety Officers have registered 13,682 establishments in the district so far.
Out of the 15,259 food business establishments, including government units, 13,682 units were registered under the Food Safety Standards Act (FSSA), M. Jagadis Chandrabose, District Designated Officer, FSSA, said here on Monday. Totally, 12,917 registration certificates were given to operators with an annual turnover of less than Rs.12 lakh and licences were given to 771 operators with an annual turnover of more than Rs.12 lakh.
Among the 3,963 State-run food business operators, registration certificates and licences had been given to 2,622 units so far.
The government units included fair price shops, Tamil Nadu Civil Supplies Corporation facilities, IMFL godowns, government hostels and noon meal centres, he said.
Dr. Chandrabose said the Food Safety Officers inspected the noon meal centres and the cooks were asked to maintain hygiene.
At Vilathikulam, the officers collected sample of a misbranded gutkha with ‘zero percent tobacco and nicotine’ printed on its pouch and forwarded it to a laboratory for testing and it was declared unfit for consumption. The officers referred the case to District Revenue Officer R. Muthu to levy penalty on the seller.
Banned gutkha and pan masala containing nicotine were being seized at regular intervals during surprise raids in district. Over 10 lakh pouches of the banned items had been seized and destroyed so far. Many shopkeepers were stashing the banned gutkha and pan masala at isolated locations.
Such acts of violations were largely reported in Kovilpatti and Vilathikulam, the officer said.
Investigations revealed that gutkha was transported from Madurai and being concealed in isolated godowns at Nalli, a place bordering Tuticorin and Virudhunagar districts.
Adulterated tea leaves were mostly sold in shops at Kovilpatti, Dr. Chandrabose added.

Eateries fined Rs 5,000

Jammu, August 26
The Jammu Municipal Corporation (MC) today imposed a fine of Rs 5,000 on eateries found not to be maintaining cleanliness in preparation of food products during an anti-adulteration drive today. The MC had launched the fortnight-long drive.
A team led by Health Officer, Municipal Corporation, Dr Vinod Sharma, along-with a team of Food Safety Officers and Assistant Sanitation Officers, conducted a tour of areas like New Plot, Amphalla, Gangyal, Trikuta Nagar, Bahu Fort, Gandhi Nagar, Indira Chowk, Vikram Chowk and Nanak Nagar to check the quality of commonly used food items.
They inspected various food establishments and imposed the fine.
Samples of milk and curd were taken from different parts of Jammu and sent to the Public Analyst for ascertaining standard of purity.
Citizens were advised not to smoke in public places. A fine of Rs 200 would be imposed to those not adhering to the norm. All food establishment owners dealing in sale of sweetmeats and other milk products would have to adhere to terms of the food Act 2006 and keep their premises clean.

JMC drive against food adulteration continues

JAMMU: Continuing the drive against the menace of adulteration, the Health Officer Jammu Municipal Corporation, Dr. Vinod Sharma along with a team of Food Safety Officers, Assistant Sanitation Officers, Sanitary Inspectors and other field staff conducted a tour in the areas like New Plot, Amphalla, Gangyal, Trikuta Nagar, Bahu-Fort, Gandhi Nagar, Indira Chowk, Bikram Chowk and Nanak Nagar of Jammu City on Monday to check the quality of commonly used food items.
Team inspected various food establishments and compounding fee of Rs. 5,900 was also realised from defaulters and about 17 kg of polythene was seized.
Moreover two food samples of milk and curd were also lifted from different parts of Jammu city and sent to Public Analyst Jammu for ascertaining their standard of purity, especially keeping in view of the festival of Janamashthami.
Citizens were also advised not to smoke in the public places as it is injurious to health, a fine of Rs. 200 would be imposed to those not adhering to the norms.
Dr Vinod strictly instructed the food establishment owners particularly Halwais to adhere to the terms and conditions of FSS Act 2006 and to mention the ingredients used for manufacturing cooked food and sweetmeats on the eve of Janamashtmi. The drive will continue and the general public is requested to co-operate with the Jammu Municipal Corporation to make the ongoing drive a success and to make Jammu city free of polythene in this summer season.

TNPCB Faces Green Panel Ire on Water

Green tribunal threatens PCB officials with hefty fine

Pollution Board Fails To File Report on Water Units
Chennai: The southern bench of the National Green Tribunal on Monday pulled up the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board for failing to file a comprehensive report on the status of private packaged drinking water units in the state. It threatened to impose fines ranging from Rs 50,000 to Rs one lakh on erring officials, if they didn’t submit the report in the next hearing.
In March, the Tribunal initated suo motu proceedings against private drinking water units, after complaints poured in about substandard quality of water being supplied in cans, bottles and sachets. It passed interim orders to close many units in neighbouring districts, when they failed repeatedly in sample tests for human consumption.
The bench, comprising justice M Chokkalingam and expert member R Nagendran directed the board on July 2 to inspect all 997 packaged drinking water units in the state and conduct sample tests with support of the food safety and drug administration department. It ordered the board to submit the report on August 26.
When the case came up for hearing on Monday, the bench found to its dismay thatthe reportwas not ready. “In our previous hearing, we directed the PCB to direct the district environmental engineers to find out units in each district. But there is no such report forthcoming, despite a lapse of three months. If such a report, as called for by the Tribunal, is not placed before the next hearing, we will view the matter seriously,” Justice M Chokkalingam said adding that action would be taken against the officials.
The report, a copy of which is available with TOI, said that of the 144 samples lifted from Ambattur, Chennai, Sriperumbudur and Tiruvallur, 23 samples were foundtobesub-standard and unsafe. In Maraimalai Nagar and Tiruvannamalai, 10 samples were unfit for consumption.
The bench directed the pollution control board member-secretary, H Malleshappa to be present next time. “You should see the seriousness of the issue… water is sold everywhere. How many are with or without consent from the board, we want to know,” it observed.
Advocate M R Gokul Krishnan, appearing for food and drug safety administration said the departmentcould not actindependently in lifting samples. “Only PCB officials can do the job, and food safety officialswill analyzeit,” hesaid. The bench posted the case for further hearing on September 4.

DINAMANI NEWS

கேன் தண்ணீர் விவகாரம் மாசு கட்டுப்பாடு வாரியத்துக்கு பசுமை தீர்ப்பாயம் கண்டனம் செப்.4ல் அறிக்கை தர உத்தரவு

சென்னை ஆக. 27:

கேன் தணணீரில் மாசு கலந்துள்ளதா என்பது குறித்த அறிக்கை தாக்கல் செய்யாத மாசுகட்டுப்பாடு வாரியத்துக்கு நீதிபதிகள் கண்டனம் தெரிவித்தனர்.

தனியார் நிறுவனங்கள் சார்பில் வீடுகளுக்கு வழங்கப்படும் கேன் தண்ணீரில் மாசு கலந்து காணப்படுவதாக குற்றச்சாட்டு எழுந்தது. இதனால் கடந்த மே மாதம் கேன் தண்ணீர் உரிமையாளர் வேலைநிறுத்தத்தில் ஈடுபட்டனர். ஒரு கேனின் விலை

75 முதல்100 வரை விற்பனை செய்யப்பட்டது.

இந்நிலையில் தேசிய பசுமை தீர்ப்பாயம் தானாக முன்வந்து இப் பிரச்னை யில் வழக்கு தொடர்ந்தது. தமிழ்நாடு மாசு கட்டுப் பாடு வாரியத்துக்கு பதில் தருமாறு தீர்ப்பாயம் நோட்டீஸ் அனுப்பியது. கேன் தண்ணீரில் மாசு கலந்து காணப்படுவது தொடர்பாக ஆகஸ்ட் 26ல் அறி க்கை தாக்கல் செய்யவும் உத்தரவிடப்பட்டது.

இந்த வழக்கு தேசிய பசுமை தர்ப்பாயத்தில் நேற்று விசாரணைக்கு வந்தது. நதிபதி சொக்கலிங்கம், மற்றும் உறுப்பி னர் நாகேந்திரன் ஆகியோர் முன்னிலையில் நடந்த இந்த விசாரணை யில், தர்ப்பாயஉத்தரவின்படி மாசு கட்டுப்பாடு வாரியம் தமிழகம் முழுவதும் கேன் தணணீரில் மாசு கலந்துள்ளதா என்பது குறித்த அறிக்கையை நீதிமன்றத்தில் தாக்கல் செய்யவில்லை. இதையடுத்து தீர்ப்பாயம் மாசுகட்டுப்பாடு வாரியத்துக்கு கண்டனம் தெரிவித்தது.

கடந்த ஜூலை 22ல் தீர்ப்பாயம் வழங்கிய உத்தரவின்படி மாவட்ட தலைமை சுற்றுச்சூழல் அதிகாரிகள், தண்ணீர் தயாரிக்கும் நிறுவனங்களில் ஆய்வு நடத்த வேண்டும். பி.ஐ.எஸ் தர சான்றிதழ் பெற்று இயங்கும் நிறுவனங்கள், சான்றிதழ் பெறாத நிறுவனங்கள் குறித்த அறிக்கை தாக்கல் செய்ய வேண்டும் என தீர்ப்பாயம் உத்தரவிட்டது. இது குறித்த எந்த அறிக்கையும் நீதிமன்றத்தில் அதிகாரிகள் தாக்கல் செய்யவில்லை. இதுகுறித்து நீதிபதி சொக்கலிங்கம் கூறுகையில், வழக்கு தொடர்பாக அடுத்த விசாரணை யில் கண்டிப்பாக அதிகாரிகள் அறிக்கை தாக்கல் செய்ய வேண்டும் என உத்தரவிட்டார். அறிக்கை தாக்கல் செய்யாத பட்சத்தில், தமிழ்நாடு மாசு கட்டுப்பாடு வாரிய உறுப்பினர் செயலருக்கு 1 லட்சம், மாவட்ட அளவிலான மாசுக்கட்டுப்பாடு வாரிய அதிகாரிகளுக்கு அபராதமாக தலா 50 ஆயிரம் செலுத்த உத்தரவிட்டார். விசார ணையை செப்டம்பர் 4ம் தேதிக்கு ஒத்திவைத்தார்.

குடிநீர் பரிசோதனை ஆய்வு அறிக்கையை தாக்கல் செய்யாவிட்டால் மாசுக்கட்டுப்பாட்டு வாரியத்துக்கு ரூ.1 லட்சம் அபராதம் பசுமை தீர்ப்பாயம் எச்சரிக்கை

சென்னை, ஆக.27-தமிழகம் முழுவதுமுள்ள குடிநீர் விற்பனை செய்யும் நிறுவனங்களின் குடிநீரை ஆய்வு செய்து செப்டம்பர் 4-ந் தேதிக்குள் அறிக்கை தாக்கல் செய்யவில்லை என்றால் மாசுக்கட்டுப்பாட்டு வாரியத்துக்கு ரூ.1 லட்சம் அபராதம் விதிக்கப்படும் என்று தேசிய பசுமை தீர்ப்பாயம் எச்சரிக்கை விடுத்துள்ளது.வழக்குசென்னை மற்றும் புறநகர் பகுதிகளில், பாட்டில் மற்றும் பாக்கெட் குடிநீர் விற்பனை செய்யும் நிறுவனங்கள் அனுமதியின்றியும், தரம் குறைந்த குடிநீரை பொதுமக்களுக்கு விநியோகம் செய்வதாகவும் செய்தி வெளியானது. சென்னையிலுள்ள தென்மாநிலத்துக்கான தேசிய பசுமை தீர்ப்பாயம், இந்த செய்தியின் அடிப்படையில், தாமாக முன்வந்து (சூமோட்டோ) வழக்குப்பதிவு செய்தது.பின்னர், தமிழகம் முழுவதுள்ள குடிநீர் விற்பனை செய்யும் நிறுவனங்களில் உள்ள குடிநீரை பரிசோதனை செய்து, ஆய்வு அறிக்கையை தாக்கல் செய்யும்படி, தமிழ்நாடு மாசுக்கட்டுப்பாட்டு வாரியத்துக்கு உத்தரவிட்டது.6 மாவட்டங்களின் அறிக்கைஇந்த நிலையில், தேசிய பசுமை தீர்ப்பாயத்தின் நீதிபதி எம்.சொக்கலிங்கம், தொழில்நுட்ப உறுப்பினர் பேராசிரியர் ஆர்.நாகேந்திரன் ஆகியோர் முன்பு இந்த வழக்கு நேற்று விசாரணைக்கு வந்தது.அப்போது மாசுக்கட்டுப்பாட்டு வாரியத்தின் சார்பில், 6 மாவட்டங்களில் உள்ள குடிநீர் விற்பனை செய்யும் நிறுவனத்தில் நடந்த ஆய்வுகளின் அறிக்கை தாக்கல் செய்யப்பட்டது.இதையடுத்து நீதிபதி சொக்கலிங்கம், பேராசிரியர் நாகேந்திரன் ஆகியோர் கூறியதாவது:-தமிழகத்தில் உள்ள அனைத்து மாவட்டங்களில் செயல்படும் குடிநீர் விற்பனை செய்யும் நிறுவனங்களில் உள்ள குடிநீரை பரிசோதனை செய்து, அந்த அறிக்கையை இன்று தாக்கல் செய்யவேண்டும் என்று இந்த தீர்ப்பாயம் ஏற்கனவே உத்தரவிட்டிருந்தது.அபராதம் விதிக்கப்படும்ஆனால், தமிழ்நாடு மாசுக்கட்டுப்பாட்டு வாரியம் அனைத்து மாவட்டங்களிலும் ஆய்வுகளை மேற்கொண்டு, அறிக்கையை தாக்கல் செய்யவில்லை. எனவே இந்த வழக்கை செப்டம்பர் 4-ந் தேதிக்கு தள்ளிவைக்கிறோம். அன்று மாசுக்கட்டுப்பாட்டு வாரியத்தில் உறுப்பினர் செயலாளர் நேரில் ஆஜராகி, ஆய்வு அறிக்கையை தாக்கல் செய்யவேண்டும்.அவ்வாறு தாக்கல் செய்யவில்லை என்றால், மாசுக்கட்டுப்பாட்டு வாரியத்துக்கு ரூ.1 லட்சம் அபராதம் விதிக்கப்படும். மேலும், மாவட்ட அளவில் பணியாற்றி வரும் மாவட்ட சுற்றுச்சூழல் என்ஜினீயர்களுக்கு தலா ரூ.50 ஆயிரம் அபராதம் விதிக்கப்படும்.இவ்வாறு இருவரும் கூறினர்.

மாசு கட்டுப்பாட்டு வாரிய அதிகாரி நேரில் ஆஜராக உத்தரவு:பசுமை தீர்ப்பாயம் கண்டிப்பு

சென்னை: போதிய அவகாசம் கொடுத்தும் குடிநீர் மாதிரி பரிசோதனைகள் முடிக்காதது குறித்து, அதிருப்தி தெரிவித்த பசுமைத் தீர்ப்பாயம், "மாசுக் கட்டுப்பாட்டு வாரிய உறுப்பினர் - செயலர் நேரில் ஆஜராகி, விளக்கம் அளிக்க வேண்டும்' என, உத்தரவிட்டுள்ளது.

குடிநீர் தயாரிப்பு நிறுவனங்களில் இருந்து அனுப்பும் குடிநீர், தரமாக இல்லை என, தெரிய வந்ததால், சென்னையில் உள்ள தென்மண்டல பசுமை தீர்ப்பாயம், தானாக முன் வந்து, வழக்கு பதிந்து விசாரித்து வருகிறது. சென்னை, காஞ்சிபுரம், திருவள்ளூர் மாவட்டங்களில், அனுமதியின்றி செயல்பட்ட, பல நிறுவனங்கள் மூடப்பட்டு, தர பரிசோதனைக்குப் பின், செயல்பட அனுமதிக்கப்பட்டன. இது போன்று, தமிழகம் முழுவதும் உள்ள குடிநீர் நிறுவனங்களில், மாதிரி எடுத்து பரிசோதிக்க உத்தரவிடப்பட்டிருந்தது. "ஹெர்பல், பிளேவர்டு' குடிநீர் நிறுவனங்கள் தொடர்பான வழக்கில், அனுமதியில்லாத அனைத்து நிறுவனங்களின் குடிநீர் விற்பனைக்கு, இடைக்கால தடை விதிக்கப்பட்டது. ஒரு வாரத்தில், உணவு பாதுகாப்புத் துறையில் அனுமதி கோரி விண்ணப்பிக்கவும் உத்தரவிடப்பட்டிருந்தது. இந்த வழக்குகள், நேற்று விசாரணைக்கு வந்தன. மாசுக் கட்டுப்பாட்டு வாரிய அதிகாரிகள் ஆஜராகி, மூன்று மாவட்டங்களில் மட்டுமே, குடிநீர் மாதிரி பரிசோதனை செய்ததாக தெரிவித்தனர். போதிய அவகாசம் கொடுத்தும், பரிசோதனைகளை முடிக்காதது குறித்து, தீர்ப்பாய நீதிபதி சொக்கலிங்கம், உறுப்பினர் நாகேந்திரனும், அதிருப்தி தெரிவித்தனர். மேலும், "செப்., 4ம் தேதிக்குள், குடிநீர் பரிசோதனை குறித்த தெளிவான விவரங்களை, சமர்ப்பிக்க வேண்டும்; இல்லாவிட்டால், அபராதம் விதிக்கப்படும்; மாசுக் கட்டுப்பாட்டு வாரிய உறுப்பினர் - செயலர், செப்., 4ம் தேதி நேரில் ஆஜராகி விளக்கம் அளிக்க வேண்டும்' என, உத்தரவிட்டனர். "எங்கள் விண்ணப்பத்தை, உணவு பாதுகாப்புத் துறை ஏற்கவில்லை' என, "ஹெர்பல்' குடிநீர் நிறுவனங்கள் சார்பில் தெரிவிக்கப்பட்டது. "அனுமதி கோரி மத்திய உணவு பாதுகாப்புத் துறையில் விண்ணப்பிக்க வேண்டும் என்பதால், நாங்கள் ஏற்கவில்லை' என, மாநில உணவு பாதுகாப்பு அதிகாரிகள் தெரிவித்தனர். அனுமதி பெறுவது தொடர்பான விதிமுறைகள் குறித்து, மத்திய உணவு பாதுகாப்புத் துறை அதிகாரி, செப்., 4ம் தேதி, நேரில் விவரங்கள் தர வேண்டும் என, பசுமைத் தீர்ப்பாயம் உத்தரவிட்டது. மேலும், வழக்கின் விசாரணை, செப்., 4ம் தேதிக்கு தள்ளி வைக்கப்பட்டது.

தமிழகம் முழுவதும் உள்ள குடிநீர் நிறுவனங்களின் மாதிரிகள் முடிவு இன்று தீர்ப்பாயத்தில் சமர்ப்பிப்பு

சென்னை : தமிழகம் முழுவதும் உள்ள, குடிநீர் நிறுவனங்களில் எடுத்த மாதிரிகளின் பரிசோதனை முடிவுகள், இன்று பசுமைத் தீர்ப்பாயத்தில் சமர்பிக்கப்படுகிறது. "ஹெர்பல், பிளேவர்டு' குடிநீர் நிறுவனங்கள் குறித்த வழக்கு விசாரணையும் நடக்கிறது. குடிநீர் தயாரிப்பு நிறுவனங்களில் இருந்து அனுப்பப்படும், குடிநீர் தரமாக இல்லை என, தெரிய வந்ததால், சென்னையில் உள்ள தென்மண்டல பசுமை தீர்ப்பாயம், தானாக முன் வந்து, வழக்கு பதிந்து விசாரித்து வருகிறது.இதில் சென்னை, காஞ்சிபுரம், திருவள்ளூர் மாவட்டங்களில், ஐ.எஸ்.ஐ., அனுமதி பெறாமலும், மாசு கட்டுப்பாட்டு வாரிய அனுமதி பெறாமலும் செயல்பட்ட பல நிறுவனங்கள் மூடப்பட்டு, தர பரிசோதனைக்குப் பின், செயல்பட அனுமதிக்கப்பட்டு உள்ளன. இதுபோன்று, தமிழகம் முழுவதும் உள்ள குடிநீர் நிறுவனங்கள் அனைத்தையும் ஆய்வு செய்யவும், குடிநீரின் மாதிரிகள் எடுத்து பரிசோதிக்கவும், பசுமைத்தீர்ப்பாயம் உத்தரவிட்டது. அனுமதியின்றி இயங்கும், "ஹெர்பல்', "பிளேவர்டு' குடிநீர் உள்ளிட்ட, எல்லா விதமான குடிநீர் நிறுவனங்களிலும், குடிநீர் உற்பத்தி, மார்க்கெட்டிங், விற்பனைக்கு, தடை விதிக்கப்பட்டது. ஆனால், தடையை மீறியும், இத்தகைய குடிநீர் நிறுவனங்கள் செயல்பட்டு வருவதாக, குற்றச்சாட்டு இருந்து வருகிறது. இந்த நிலையில், குடிநீர் நிறுவனங்கள் தொடர்பான வழக்கு, சென்னையில் உள்ள பசுமைத் தீர்ப்பாயத்தில் (தென்மண்டலம்), இன்று மீண்டும் விசாரணைக்கு வருகிறது. இதில், தமிழகம் முழுவதும் எடுக்கப்பட்ட, குடிநீர் மாதிரிகளின் பரிசோதனை முடிவுகளை, மாசுக்கட்டுப்பாட்டு வாரியம் இன்று தாக்கல் செய்கிறது. "ஹெர்பல்', "பிளேவர்டு' குடிநீர் நிறுவனங்கள் குறித்த வழக்கும், இன்று விசாரணைக்கு வருகிறது. இதன் முடிவுகள் தூய்மையான தண்ணீர் வழங்குவதில், உரிய நடைமுறைகள் பின்பற்றப்படும் என்று எதிர்பார்க்கப்படுகிறது.

Banned tin fish worth Rs 13 lakhs seized

Imphal, August 24 2013 : Fourteen thousand five hundred and twenty pieces of Sea Cherry Mackerel, a brand of tin fish, worth around rupees 13 lakhs, which have been banned for sale in the market by the State Government, were seized by a team of Food Safety Officers from ABC godown at Khuyathong during a drive today.
Sea Cherry Mackerel tinned-fish is a product of MS Sowkar Canning Company, Karnataka.
The seizure belonged to M/S Meitei Traders, Masjid Road, which is an agent of the manufacturing company.
Talking to media persons in this regard, Y Satyajit, Food Safety Officer, Imphal West stated that a special drive was launched to check the sale of Sea Cherry Mackeral, which has been banned by the State Government as this particular brand of tin fish was found unfit for human consumption.
Following specific information, a team of Food Safety Officers conducted a drive at ABC Godown, Khuyathong today and recovered 4520 pieces of Sea Cherry Mackeral cans, which would be worth around Rs 13 lakhs.
The Food Safety Officer also appealed to all concerned and the general public to stop selling and use of this particular brand of tin fish.
Th Sunil Kumar, Food Safety Officer, Churachandpur, who was also present during the drive, informed that team had earlier recovered tin fish under the brand name of 'Sardines in brine and oil', without proper labeling, which is against the rules of the Food Safety and Standard Act, from a shop (M/S Piyus) at Masjid Road.
The 'Sardines in brine and oil' tin fish is a product of Scattath Canning Company, Goa.
The agent of the product in Manipur is still not known but the proprietor of M/S Piyus has been instructed to make available the name of the agent to the Food Safety Officers within two days' time, he added.

Rajasthan's salt goes sour; 22% samples from state fail to meet set food standards

Twenty-two per cent of the salt samples collected from across the state have failed to meet the standards set by the health department. The development is very significant as Rajasthan is the third largest salt-producing state in the country.

There is also no mechanism to check and stop the packets which have already been dispatched. According to reports compiled by the health department, a total of 152 samples were collected from January till August from across the state.

Of this, reports of 125 samples were tested and 28 samples have been found substandard and do not meet the standards under the Food and Safety Act.

During inter-departmental meeting two months ago, there were discussions that the salt manufacturers in Nawa, Rajas, Phalodi and Kuchaman City were not maintaining the proper standards.

After this, a seven-member team collected around 45 samples from these cities. According to the report, from these samples, eight samples were also found sub-standard.

This shows the apathy of the department which reveals that the samples of the manufacturers whose products were substandard. The health department has no mechanism to check those dispatched salt products which have already been sold in the markets.

Food safety commissioner and director (Public Health) Dr BR Meena informed dna, “This year, a total of 152 samples were collected of which 28 samples were found substandard out of the 125 samples tested. Of the reports from 45 samples collected from Nawa, Phalodi, Rajas and Kuchaman City, eight samples did not meet the standards.”

Lizard found in cold drink

Khanna, August 25
In a shocking incident at a function in Khanna, a lizard was spotted in a bottle of a cold drink. The function of an opening of a new Chamber of Advocate Deepak Sahota was in progress, when the organisers of the show opened a box of cold drinks and found the reptile in a bottle which was half-filled.
Some social activists of Khanna area, including Advocates Jaspreet Singh and Narinder Sharma, had earlier demanded that the cold drinks and other materials should be checked properly before they are used for the consumption by the public.
The District Health Officer, Ludhiana, Dr Avinash, said, “I can initiate an action only after a written complaint is given to me in this regard.” While Chief Medical Officer, Ludhiana, was unavailable.

Efforts on to control adulteration in tea

Adulteration of tea, especially colour adulteration, is an issue that the Tea Board and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) are addressing through a series of measures.

Apart from taking action on those who make poor quality teas or mix adulterants, the Tea Board and the FSSAI are also creating awareness among the buyers on the quality of tea.

They conducted one such workshop here on Wednesday for tea auctioneers and small bakery owners.

R. Ambalavanan, Executive Director of the Tea Board, said that the aim of the workshop was to create awareness on the rules and regulations.

To give strong colour, adulterated tea is used in many shops. Even if approved food colour is used, it can lead to health problems if consumed daily.

Efforts on to control adulteration in tea

A cup of chai from a tea shop on the roadside or a bus stand may not be healthy. Adulteration of tea, especially colour adulteration, is an issue that the Tea Board and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) are addressing through a series of measures.

Apart from taking action on those who make poor quality teas or mix adulterants, the Tea Board and the FSSAI are also creating awareness among the buyers on the quality of tea.

They conducted one such workshop here on Wednesday for tea auctioneers and small bakery owners.

According to R. Kadiravan, the designated officer of FSSAI here, owners of small bakeries and tea shops, especially those in rural areas and bus stands, need to know the adulteration problem.

To give strong colour, adulterated tea is used in many of these shops. Even if approved food colour is used, it can lead to health problems if consumed daily.

First, the tea buyers need to be educated on the problems of using adulterated tea. Then the officials will start taking action on those who continue to use the adulterated tea. They started with the manufacturers and are now working with the buyers.

R. Ambalavanan, Executive Director of the Tea Board, said that the aim of the workshop was to create awareness on the rules and regulations, the ill-effects of using adulterants, and the need to serve quality tea.

To give strong colour, adulterated tea is used in many shops. Even if approved food colour is used, it can lead to health problems if consumed daily.

Washing chicken before cooking 'more deadly than healthy'

Washington, August 25 (ANI): A new research has broken the common belief that washing raw chicken before cooking is safe, or even prevents food-borne illness, claiming that the rinse can actually be doing more harm than good.

Food safety researchers have released four short video stories to promote the "Don't Wash Your Chicken" campaign.

In each of the campaign's mini-drama videos, a knowing family member - wife, granddaughter, daughter and mother - explains to a well-intentioned home cook that the common practice of rinsing raw poultry before cooking is actually unsafe.

An animated "Germ-Vision" graphic then shows that washing chicken only risks splattering and spreading bacteria that then can cross-contaminate other foods and kitchen surfaces.

Food safety researcher Dr. Jennifer Quinlan, an associate professor at Drexel University, who helped develop the campaign, said that you should assume that if you have chicken, you have either Salmonella or Campylobacter bacteria on it, if not both.

These two bacteria, she noted, are the leading causes of food-borne illness.

Quinlan said that if you wash the chicken, you're more likely to spray bacteria all over the kitchen and yourself and rinse water is not hot enough to kill bacteria anyway.

The study was published in the Journal of Food Protection. (ANI)

Seized tobacco products destroyed in Kodungaiyur

 

The food safety and drug administration department on Saturday destroyed 2.6 tonnes of tobacco products confiscated in various parts of the city in the past few weeks.

The banned products seized from areas such as Wall Tax Road and Ayanavaram were destroyed following guidelines of Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) after permission from Corporation commissioner Vikram Kapur.

TNPCB had given guidelines on the safe disposal of the products in a 12-foot-deep pit filled with urea and cow dung. The plastic packaging of the products was removed earlier.

However,16 tonnes of chewable tobacco products seized from Central Railway Station on August 3 by the food safety and drug administration department is yet to be destroyed. The seized products stored in Central Railway Station are likely to be destroyed at the dumping yard next week.

Food safety officials plan to intensify an awareness drive among food business operators and disseminate information on the ban.

Check quality of meat: HC Authorities directed to lift samples from open market, file status report within 4 weeks

Srinagar, August 24

Observing that the supply of meat or mutton in the state is an important issue as it is consumed in large quantities, the Jammu and Kashmir High Court has directed the authorities concerned to take samples of the raw meat sold in the open market.
After lifting the samples of raw meat from the open market, the authorities concerned have been asked to submit a report in this regard to the court within four weeks.
The High Court is hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking implementation of the food safety standards to check food adulteration in the state.
In the wake of adulteration of various food items and reports of unhygienic conditions in the food processing and manufacturing units, earlier on January 6, the High Court had sought details of the slaughter houses in all the districts of the state.
“The supply of meat in the state is an important issue because its consumption is high,” a Division Bench of the High Court observed in its orders passed this week and made available today.
The High Court had earlier issued directions to constitute a committee to suggest how to provide quality meat to the consumers. Te Bench observed that the committee submitted its report, recommending checking of sheep or goat on entry points and maintenance of hygiene in slaughter houses.
“The recommendations have been forwarded to the agency concerned. However, no report whether the recommendations by the committee in its form submitted or some modification were required to be incorporated, has not been stated,” the Bench said in its orders while directing the authorities concerned to file a status report in this regard by or before next hearing.
“Regarding samples of raw meat which is sold in open shops, no report has been filed. Accordingly, we direct that a separate status report be filed after lifting samples of raw meat which is sold in open shops and specification as laid down in the Act and the rules be kept in view,” the High Court said.
Similarly, a status report regarding private and public sector abattoirs should be filed before the court, the court said while directing the authorities concerned to file a status report in this regard within four weeks.
The High Court has also revealed that in the status report by the Chief Secretary filed on August 20, it has been highlighted that the Controller (Drug and Food Control Organisation) who was also appointed the Commissioner, Food Safety, J&K, has now been replaced by appointing Administrative Secretary of the Health and Medical Education as Commissioner in addition to his own duties.
“The respondents have expressed their inability to appoint an independent officer as Food Safety Commissioner,” the High Court observed in its orders while referring to the submission made in the status report.
In respect of the Food Safety Tribunal replacing the mechanism adopted by the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1994, the status report states, the matter has been taken up with the Finance Department for creation of the post of Presiding Officer of the rank of district and sessions judge and the allied staff.
“It is assured that the matter is given priority and it is under active consideration,” the court said.

Seized tobacco products destroyed in Kodungaiyur

 

The banned products seized over the past few weeks were disposed in a 12-foot-deep pit. 

 

The food safety and drug administration department on Saturday destroyed 2.6 tonnes of tobacco products confiscated in various parts of the city in the past few weeks.

The banned products seized from areas such as Wall Tax Road and Ayanavaram were destroyed following guidelines of Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) after permission from Corporation commissioner Vikram Kapur. TNPCB had given guidelines on the safe disposal of the products in a 12-foot-deep pit filled with urea and cow dung. The plastic packaging of the products was removed earlier.

However, 16 tonnes of chewable tobacco products seized from Central Railway Station on August 3 by the food safety and drug administration department is yet to be destroyed. The products were transported by a train from Nizamuddin. Ever since the ban on the manufacture, storage, distribution and sale of carcinogenic chewable forms of tobacco such as gutka and pan masala was announced in May, trains and buses have been used to smuggle these products into the State. Recently, several banned tobacco products found their way into retail outlets in the city.

Following crackdowns on commercial establishments across the city, the sale of gutka and pan masala has reduced considerably. However, many wholesalers continue to store them in residential complexes, selling them to regular customers.

The seized products stored in Central Railway Station are likely to be destroyed at the dumping yard next week.

Food safety officials plan to intensify an awareness drive among food business operators and disseminate information on the ban.

JMC lifts milk, cheese samples for quality check

Jammu, August 24
The health wing of the Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) today raided several milk and cheese shops in the Dogra Hall and Canal Road areas of the city and lifted several samples for testing.
Officials said they had received several complaints from residents about adulteration of milk and its products and so, they had decided to conduct a surprise check.
A team led by Health Officer Dr Vinod Sharma checked these products on various parameters. These were found to be below the standards marked by the civic body.
City residents have been concerned about the poor quality of milk and its products, which leads to various health issues.
Though in the absence of modern equipment and manpower, the fight against adulteration is becoming a losing one for JMC officials, but in the recent months, a number of dairy owners have been penalised for playing with the health of people.
Sharma said, "Samples have been sent for analysis and shopkeepers have been warned against violating rules. We are waiting for results so that action can be taken."
Dr Sharma said despite the shortage of technical manpower, priority would be given to getting the samples tested as soon as possible.
Officers also inspected various eateries in the Jewel Chowk, Dogra Chowk areas. The move was aimed at checking the hygiene level of the premises ahead of Janamashtami. Besides the inspection, the team spread awareness regarding the Food Safety & Standard Act, 2006, to restaurant owners and visitors at these eateries.
"They (owners) were directed to maintain proper hygienic conditions at their eateries. The food business operators assured the authorities that irregularities, if any, would be removed within a short span of time and there would be no lapse from their side in the future," said Food Safety Officer Parmod Kumar.
A survey conducted by the Food Safety and Standard Authority of India in 2012 had found that 83 per cent of milk sold in various districts of the state was not safe for consumption. The study had found that most common adulteration in the state was in glucose and skimmed milk products.

High Court seeks status report on quality of raw meat

Can’t Appoint Separate Commissioner For Food Safety: Govt
Srinagar, Aug 24: Jammu and Kashmir High Court has directed the government to file status report on raw meat sold in open shops after lifting samples in keeping with prevention of Food Safety and Standard Act 2006.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice M M Kumar and justice D S Thakur asked the government to file a report in this regard after it observed with dismay the government’s failure to file a report on raw meat sold in open shops.
The Court also directed the government to file status report within four weeks with regard to private and public sector abattoirs.
Earlier, in its order the court had directed the government to constitute a committee to suggest how to provide quality meat to the consumers till an abattoir was established in Kashmir.
In its status report the government has stated that the committee has submitted its report, recommending checking of sheep/goat on entry points, maintenance of hygiene in slaughter houses saying the recommendations have been forwarded to the concerned state agency.
The court, however, said no report on the recommendations by the committee or any requirement of modification, if required, has been pointed out in the report.
The government in its status report has said the Controller (Drug and Food Control Organization) who was also appointed Commissioner Food Safety J&K has now been replaced by Secretary, Health and Medical Education Department as Commissioner in addition to his own duties.
The government has however expressed its inability to appoint an independent officer as Food Safety Commissioner viewing that there were number of issues common under the Food Safety Act and the rules within the Health Department. With regard to Food Safety Tribunal replacing the mechanism adopted by the prevention of Food Adulteration Act 1994, the government in its status report said the matter has been taken up with Finance Department for creation of post of Presiding Officer of the rank of District and Sessions Judge with the allied staff. The report said the matter was under active consideration of the government.

Contents of Skimmed Milk Powder

As per Regulation 1.2 & 2.1.1 (1) Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives), Regulations, 2011, milk solids (skimmed milk powder and white butter) are allowed independently in Standardised Milk, Recombined Milk, Toned Milk. Double Toned Milk and Full Cream Milk. Details are annexed.
Every pre-packaged food is required to follow the labelling requirements laid down as per clause 2.2.2 (2) of Food Safety and Standards (Packaging and Labelling), Regulations, 2011.
The State / U.T Governments are responsible for implementation of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, Rules & Regulations, 2011. They have been requested from time to time to keep a strict vigil on quality / adulteration of food products including milk and milk products for presence of adulterants and take necessary action against such unscrupulous traders. To curb the menace of food adulteration regular surveillance, monitoring & sampling of food products is undertaken by State / UT Governments under Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
This information was given by the Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare Shri Ghulam Nabi Azad in written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha today.

Rotten canned fish

Imphal, August 23 2013 : Sustaining its campaign against sale of sub-standard consumer items, personnel of Food Safety and Standards Wing today impounded rotten canned fish labelled Sea Cherry Mackerels from an agent today.
The said canned fish were seized from the Wahengbam Leikai storage facility of Y Krishna Singh & Sons with the agent said to be one Yengkhom Jenchandra Singh (43) s/o (L) Y Tombi of Wahengbam Leikai.
In his explanation, Jenchandra said the agency started to recollect the particular brand of canned fish following intimations from retail sellers about a number of individual consumers complaining that the contents were foul smelling.
Informing that the recollected canned fish were those distributed to the retailers in between September and October, 2012 and revealing the manufacturer as Sowkar Canning Co, Udyavara in Karnataka State, he said that in all 500 cartons each containing 36 pieces could be collected.
Claiming that the manufacturer was informed on the matter resulting in the arrival of a company representative to confirm the case, Jenchandra further maintained that Food Safety officials were already informed about the complaints from the consumers.
The items were seized during a joint drive launched by the Designated Officer (Food Safety) CMO (Imphal West) S Bimolakumari, Imphal West Food Safety Officer Y Seityajit (FSO Churachandpur) Sunilkumar and City Police OC.
According to Y Seityajit today's drive was specifically carried out based on information about the agency storing the canned fish brand which was already banned on March 25, 2013 for non-compliance to labelling rules and regulations.
Urging the general public to contact the Food Safety and Standards Wing if they have any information about sale of the said item, he also affirmed that appropriate action under the Food safety Act would be initiated against the agent.
Along with informing that the impounded rotten items would be disposed off after consulting department concerned, Seityajit said similar raids would be conducted to seize adulterated food items as well as other products that pose threat to the consumers.

Crackdown on sale of adulterated milk soon

J.Suguna, Designated Officer for Food Safety, Madurai district, told The Hindu on Friday that raids would be carried out at milk manufacturing and selling points across the city.

There is a question mark over the quality and standard of the milk sold in the city. Authorities are checking out complaints received from the public over the sale of adulterated milk.

J.Suguna, Designated Officer for Food Safety, Madurai district, told The Hindu on Friday that raids would be carried out at milk manufacturing and selling points across the city.

“Private dairies, retail suppliers and those who are selling milk packets under different brand names will have to follow Food Safety Standards. There are quality norms governing the production and distribution of branded as well as unbranded milk, and Food Safety Inspectors will start inspection from Monday,” she said.

Milk samples will be collected and sent to the Food Analysis Laboratory to check for the presence of toxic chemicals, additives, starch and whiteners, apart from high levels of water.

Ms.Suguna said Food Safety Wing officials recently caught a popular bakery in Kochadai selling bread and other bakery items past their expiry date.

Eateries, restaurants and other food outlets have been asked to obtain mandatory certification by February 2014, she pointed out.

“So far, we have issued 1,800 licences and about 7,000 registration certificates. Nearly 9,000 food business operators are yet to get food safety clearance from us,” Dr.Suguna said.

100 self-help groups to get FDA licences

PUNE: Nearly 100 of the 160 self-help groups, which provide midday meals to schools in the city, are expected to get Food and Drug Administration licence within a fortnight.
The FDA has made it mandatory for all SHGs involved in cooking midday meals for school children to secure a licence in the wake of the Bihar midday meal tragedy where over 20 school children died due to food poisoning.
Around 160 SHGs provide food to almost 92,000 students in over 600 schools in the city. Following the Bihar midday meal
tragedy, the Pune Municipal Corporation issued show-cause notices to two major groups that act as coordinators of SHGs which supply meals to schools.
Shashikant Kekare, joint commissioner (food), FDA, said, "We conducted a workshop on Sunday for the SHGs. An orientation programme regarding food safety and hygiene maintenance was held during the workshop. Also, the need to have a licence and the documentation required for the purpose was discussed. After the workshop, we received applications from many SHGs and in 15 days, about 100 of them will be getting their licences." As many as 320 women attended the workshop, he added.
As per the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, SHGs are required to register with the FDA and take a licence from it to operate. The FDA checks hygiene, the material used for cooking and the quality of food before giving its approval.
The SHGs were also informed about the food temperature to be maintained during distribution of food, the quality of the raw material to be used for cooking and the importance of having clean kitchen sheds. As per FDA rules, SHGs with an annual turnover of less than Rs 12 lakh need to register with it, while those having a turnover of more than Rs 12 lakh per annum, have to secure licences.

Pesticide residue found in rice

Excessive amounts of Malathion, a general use pesticide, have been detected in a rice sample collected for inspection from the Food Corporation of India godown at Valiyathura here.

Traces of uric acid, indicating presence of pests, were also found in three to four samples, of a total of nine samples that were collected in raids conducted on August 1.

According to Food Safety officials, the presence of Malathion was detected during tests conducted at the Pesticide Residue Research and Analytical Laboratory of the Kerala Agricultural College at Vellayani here while traces of uric acid, which were in amounts that made the rice and wheat grains ‘unfit for consumption’, were found in tests at the Government Analyst Laboratory, Thiruvananthapuram.

Officials said the FCI staff had admitted that they used pesticides such as Malathion, DDVP, and Deltamethrine to keep away pests.

“Apparently, the quantity they used was much above stipulated limits, which is why Malathion could be detected in the grains though it was sprayed over the sacks in which the grains are stored. The concentration was very high,” officials said.

The Food Safety Department will shortly submit a report on the issue to the State and Union governments. However, action might be initiated only after Onam, officials indicated, adding that more intensive raids and elaborate examination of samples would be taken up after Onam at the godown and other similar food grain storage installations in the capital district.

Incidentally, the raids on August 1, during which the contaminated samples were collected, had witnessed unruly scenes when FCI employees and loading workers refused to let the Food Safety officials in.

The raid was conducted after the Valiyathura police intervened and both the Food Safety Department and the police had booked cases in connection with the incident.

After a wait of seven months, FSSAI gets CEO in Dilip Kumar Samantaray

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), which was operating without chief executive officer (CEO) for the last seven months, finally got one in Dilip Kumar Samantaray, an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of 1983 batch from Madhya Pradesh.
He was appointed by ministry of health and family welfare under a suggestion from the Madhya Pradesh government as CEO on July 1, 2013, and took charge on August 5, 2013, according to sources in FSSAI. Earlier, the post was occupied by S N Mohanty, who left it amid a lot of speculation at the beginning of 2013. He is now director-general, supplies and disposal in the ministry of commerce and industry.
The source from FSSAI revealed, “Samantaray is very strict in his work and after taking the charge of FSSAI CEO on August 5, 2013, he has been planning to bring about a lot of changes. He is working on the steps to be taken for the completion of licensing and registration of food business operators well before the deadline – February 4, 2014.”

DINAMANI NEWS

GEAC gives nod to field trials for GM crops to generate biosafety data

The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) has approved experimental field trials for the purpose of generating biosafety data in respect of genetically-modified (GM) crops such as cotton, rice, castor, wheat, maize, tomato, groundnut, potato, sorghum, okra, brinjal, mustard, watermelon, papaya, sugarcane banana, pigeon pea, Artemisia annua L and chickpea.
This was stated by Jayanthi Natarajan, minister of state (independent charge) for environment and forests, in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha. She added that about 79 applications covering 11 crops – cotton, rice, castor, maize, wheat, sugarcane, brinjal, potato, chickpea, mustard and sorghum – are currently pending with GEAC. Out of the 79 applications, 24 are awaiting no-objection certificates (NOC) from the state governments and the remainder is yet to be considered by GEAC.
Natarajan stated that in view of the objections received from some of the state governments regarding GM crop field trials in their states, GEAC directed the applicants to obtain NOC from the respective state government before the issuance of the approval letter. The minister added that the matter is sub judice in the Supreme Court.

NCDEX denies liabilities concerning 900-tonne adulterated black pepper

Under pressure from Kerala's food safety commissioner Biju Prabhakar over the alleged adulteration of black pepper, the National Commodities and Derivatives Exchange (NCDEX) – one of India's leading agricultural bourses – stated that it does not have any liability regarding stocks of the spice. The exchange added that it is not liable for non-compliance by any member and market participant with all applicable laws on the underlying commodity either.
“NCDEX merely provides a platform for trading in forward contracts, and does not own, deposit or deal with the goods in the warehouses,” the exchange, which has sought official permission to remove the mineral oil coating from the 900-tonne-stock, valued at approximately Rs 350 crore, said, adding that the removal of the adulterant by the holders of the stock and market participants would be in the best interests of the industry, as it would improve the quality of the spice.
The bourse – which is headquartered in Mumbai and promoted by a consortium of shareholders, including the National Stock Exchange of India (NSE), ICICI Bank, the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) and the National Bank for Agricultural and Rural Development (NABARD) – stated that it has always ensured that the delivery of every commodity is in accordance with its contract specifications.
Seizures in Kerala
Prabhakar recently ordered the exchange to destroy the aforementioned stock of black pepper, and following seizures at six warehouses located in two districts of the southern state (Alappuzha and Ernakulam), those trading in the spice on the exchange made representations to the Forward Markets Commission (FMC) – the commodity market regulator – and the bourse, demanding that either valid goods be delivered to them or the value of the spice be reimbursed.
NCDEX confirmed that the pepper stocks were seized after buyers complained that they contained mineral oil, and added that the warehouses in Kerala were accredited by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), the country's apex food regulator. Since then, FSSAI has been testing the stock with the help of NCDEX and the Spices Board India, and ordered the destruction of 93 lots containing traces of mineral oil.
About 6,000 tonne black pepper was sealed. Prabhakar, who sealed the warehouses, issued a notice to the bourse, stating that it ensure that the spice does not enter the market. Spices Board India was entrusted with the task of examining the black pepper samples. Following the order, NCDEX claimed that the owners were urged to take up the matter with FSSAI and take appropriate action. The lots that meet the standards set by the regulator will be returned to their owners.
Most of the stocks in the godowns sealed by FSSAI were bought by the holders in off-market transactions outside the NCDEX platform. However, the bourse was informed by some industry players that farmers and traders engaged in the cultivation, production and trading of pepper adopt various methods to preserve the spice, including adding a small amount of mineral oil. This is later removed by  steaming.
The adulterant
According to the Prevention of Food Adulteration (PFA) Act, 1954 [which preceded the Food Safety and Standards Act (FSSA), 2006], the use of any mineral oil in pepper is prohibited. The mineral oil used to adulterate black pepper is made of burnt diesel, paraffin oil, white petroleum and other petroleum products, which are neither digestible nor soluble. When black pepper is coated with this adulterant, it becomes unfit for human consumption and could even be carcinogenic.
Hearing in Indore
On September 17, 2013, the Indore Bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court will hear a petition filed by the Kalimirch Vyapari Association, a body that represents traders who have incurred huge losses owing to the non-delivery of black pepper by the National Commodities and Derivatives Exchange. The members of the association have reportedly purchased the spice on the bourse by paying a sum of Rs 350 crore.

FSSAI NOTIFICATION

Pan masala seized

Lorry loads of pan masala, including gutka, were seized by the police at Kandabelu village near Royakottai on Thursday.

P. Dinesh, District Food Safety and Drug Administration, said that the market value of the seized pan masala was Rs. 5 lakh. In connection with this, the driver of the lorry S. Anbumani (35) of Velappampatti near Thoppur was arrested.

According to police sources, the pan masala was being transported in the name of white cement from Bangalore to Virudhunagar.

குட்கா ஏற்றி சென்ற லாரி பறிமுதல்; டிரைவர் கைது

தர்மபுரி: தடை செய்யப்பட்ட குட்கா உள்ளிட்ட பொருட்களை ஏற்றி சென்ற லாரியை, போலீஸார் பறிமுதல் செய்தனர்.
பெங்களூருவில் இருந்து, மகேந்திரமங்கலம் வழியாக தடை செய்யப்பட்ட குட்கா, பான்பராக் உள்ளிட்ட பொருட்கள், ஒரு லாரியில் கடத்தி செல்லப்படவுள்ளதாக எஸ்,பி., ஆஸ்ரா கார்கிற்கு ரகசிய தகவல் வந்தது.
அவரது உத்தரவுப்படி, தனிப்படை போலீஸார், நேற்று, மகேந்திரமங்கலம் பகுதியில் தீவிர வாகன சோதனையில் ஈடுபட்டனர். அப்போது, அவ்வழியாக வந்த, ஒரு லாரியை நிறுத்தி சோதனை செய்தனர்.
சோதனையில், லாரியில் தடை செய்யப்பட்டுள்ள குட்கா, பான்பாரக் உள்ளிட்ட பொருட்கள் இருப்பது தெரிந்தது. தனிப்படை போலீஸார் லாரி டிரைவரிடம் விசாரித்தனர். விசாரணையில், தர்மபுரி மாவட்டம், தொப்பூரை சேர்ந்த, அன்புமணி, 35 என்பதும், பெங்களூரில் இருந்து விருதுநகருக்கு, ஐந்து லட்ச ரூபாய் மதிப்பிலான தடை செய்யப்பட்ட, குட்கா, பான்பராக் உள்ளிட்ட பொருட்களை எடுத்து சென்றது தெரிந்தது. போலீஸார் அன்புமணியை கைது செய்தனர். லாரி பறிமுதல் செய்யப்பட்டது.

DINAMALAR NEWS

பேருந்து நிலையம் அருகே தரமற்ற முறையில் விற்பனை செய்த சில்லிசிக்கன், மீன் வருவல் பறிமுதல் அதிகாரிகள் அதிரடி நடவடிக்கை

தர்மபுரி, ஆக.22:

தர்மபுரி பேருந்து நிலையம் அருகே தரமற்ற முறையில் விற்பனை செய்த சில்லி சிக்கன், மீன்வருவல் ஆகியற்றை உணவு பாதுகாப்பு அதிகாரிகள் திடீர் சோதனை நடத்தி பறிமுதல் செய்தனர்.

தர்மபுரி நகர பேருந்து நிலையம், புறநகர் பேருந்து நிலையத்தை சுற்றி தள்ளுவண்டியில் கூழ் கடை மற்றும் சில்லி சிக்கன், மீன் வருவல் கடைகளை உணவு பாதுகாப்பு நியமன அலுவலர் டாக்டர் தினேஷ் மற்றும் அதிகாரிகள் திடீர் சோதனை நடத்தினர்.

அப்போது, சுகாதாரமற்ற நிலையில் வைத்து விற்பனை செய்த சில்லிசிக்கன், மீன் வருவல் ஆகியவற்றை உடனடியாக அப்பறப்படுத்தினர். தரமற்ற ராகி கூழை எடுத்து சாக்கடையில் கொட்டினர். சுத்தமாகவும், சுகாதாரமாகவும் உணவு பொருட்கள் விற்பனை செய்ய வேண்டும்.

இல்லையென்றால் பறிமுதல் செய்து அழிக்கப்படும் என எச்சரிக்கை செய்யப்பட்டது. நேற்று முன்தினம் இரவு புறநகர் பேருந்து நிலையம் நுழைவாயில் இரவு டிபன் கடைகள், ஓட்டல்களை சோதனை நடத்தினர். அங்கு பயன்படுத்திய தரமற்ற தோசை மாவு, சட்னி, சாம்பார், ஆயில் அப்புறப்படுத்த உத்தரவிட் டார். மீறி விற்பனை செய்தால் கடும் நடவடிக்கை எடுக்கப்படும் என உணவு பாதுகாப்பு நியமன அலுவலர் டாக்டர் தினேஷ் எச்சரிக்கை விடுத்தார்.

Maharashtra's FDA asks Centre to impose life ban on smokeless products

Mahesh Zagade, food commissioner, Food and Drug Administration (FDA ) Maharashtra, wrote a letter urging the Centre to impose a life ban on smokeless products, which would be in the best interests of the health of 120 crore Indians.
He said, “Maharashtra and many other states banned the manufacture, sale and consumption of smokeless tobacco products – including tobacco, paan masala and scented products (barring scented supari) in 2012.
Zagade added that the state amended the notification to prohibit scented supari and all other smokeless products, and was the leading state in implementing the ban by seizing and destroying smokeless products worth Rs 21 crore last year.
“However, no such ban was imposed in other states. In a few cases, it was not implemented properly and as a result, gutkha continues to be sold illegally,” he added, informing that gutkha and other scented products worth Rs 56 lakh has been seized in Maharashtra since July 2013.
“When the provision for a ban on gutkha, tobacco and paan masala was made in the year 2012, manufacturers used to add separate flavours in the supari and tobacco, which was also injurious for health. This made it contrary to the provision,” Zagade said.
“So we, as the state's food regulator, amended the provisions by banning all the smokeless products, thus making it difficult for the manufacturers, wholesalers and paan stalls to continue running their businesses,” he added.
Zagade added, “Many big tobacco manufacturers went to the High Court. But they failed to get the stay from the High Court. Now some of them have moved the Supreme Court, but since the ban has come into effect, the manufacturers will not get the stay.”
“Earlier, manufacturers manufactured smokeless products, and would attract consumers by resorting to various marketing gimmicks, which consumers were not aware of. But now, after the complete ban, manufacturers will no longer be able to play with the health of 11 crore people of Maharashtra,” he added.
Zagade informed that he wrote to the food commissioners of all states of the country, urging them to implement it strictly in their states, and asked the railway authorities, municipal commissioners and police authorities to cooperate with the FDA officials for the proper implementation of the ban.

DINAMALAR NEWS

‘Warehoused pepper lots, a clear case of adulteration’

The food safety commissioner of Kerala Biju Prabhakar, who has ordered to destroy close to 900 tonnes of black pepper, says the warehoused pepper lots were adulterated and unfit for human consumption.

“It is a clear case of adulteration,” Prabhakar told Business Line. “The black pepper, adulterated with mineral oil, is a health hazard to the consumers and needs to be destroyed.” He noted that according to the Food Safety and Standards Regulations 2011 black pepper should be free from traces of mineral oil, which was Group B carcinogenic stuff.

He said that the rest of the pepper, currently lying in six warehouses which had been sealed by the food safety authority, was at various stages of checking and analysis. If tested positive, they risked destruction.

Prabhakar, however, said the adulteration did not seem to be done ‘for profit.’ The mineral oil was used as a fungicide and polishing agent. Such practice had been in place for long but had not been detected or reported.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India had been tipped off that over 6,000 tonnes of black pepper – stored in NCDEX-accredited warehouses – were adulterated with mineral oil. The food safety officials in Kerala tested five samples and found they were all adulterated and sealed all the warehouses in December.

The order to destroy such large quantities of pepper is expected to impact the market prices.

Random sampling to check mid-day meal quality

ALLAHABAD: In order to ensure quality mid-day meal (MDM) to children of more 3,500 school, the education department has decided to collect random samples of the meal served to children under the scheme. These samples would be sent for laboratory tests. District magistrate, Allahabad, Raj Shekhar said "principals and gram pradhans are responsible for the quality of food to be served to children under the scheme." He added that both principals and gram pradhans would supervise the preparation of meals and taste it before being served to children.
He further said that gram pradhans and principals would ensure that the meal was prepared in hygienic conditions and encourage students to wash their hands before eating the meal. Claiming that these exercises were initiated to strengthen mid-day meal's management in schools, he said that the set norms had to be complied with under all circumstances. Basic Shikla Adhikari has already fixed the role and responsibilities of gram pradhans, corporators, principals and quota holders.
Besides, block development officer (BDO) and block education officer (BEO) have been asked to inspect at least five and 10 schools on weekly basis. The MDM scheme was currently available in over 3,500 schools of the district and stress was being laid on regulating the procurement of food grains and other materials. The food has to be tested by at least a teacher and a member of the school management committee dominated by parents. Officials made it clear that efforts were underway to ensure social auditing of the scheme. Basic shiksha adhikari, Allahabad, PK Sharma said "though no complaint has been received, efforts are being made to check the food quality." He added "we plan to collect food samples for laboratory tests to ascertain the quality of food being served to children".
Meanwhile, insiders said "it is not an easy task to collect sample and send it for laboratory test to Lucknow or Varanasi. Authorities concerned are consulting officials of FDA (Food & Drug Administration) regarding the checking of food quality." Meanwhile, grams pradhans have been asked to get 'A' grade rice and high quality wheat from the quota holders and ensure that beneficiaries were served quality food. Gram pradhans have been asked to procure fresh vegetables, sealed edible oil, pulses and Agmark spices and iodized salt. Besides, the food should be prepared on LPG.
More importantly, principals have been asked to maintain MDM register and enroll entries like number of children present, quantity of articles used for preparing mid-day meal etc on daily basis.
School authorities have also been asked to keep the area clean and maintain quality and safety of food. Schools would have to maintain monthly report card of every student's health status and weight. Children should be offered meal as per the menu. Block development officer or officer concerned has to be informed if mid-day meal is not served to children due to some reasons.

Khesari dal consumed as gravy is safe: Study

HYDERABAD: Khesari dal consumed as gravy in small quantities is safe. Consuming large quantities, however, may result in lathyrism.
Lathyrism is a neurological condition in which victims suffer paralysis in the lower limbs.
With a demand being raised to lift the ban on cultivation of Khesari dal in the country, the Planning Commission got an epidemiological study done. The study sponsored by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India was carried out by the National Institute of Nutrition-Indian Council of Medical Research (NIN-ICMR) based in Hyderabad.
A pilot study to assess the impact of consumption of Khesari dal on human health was conducted in Gondia district of Maharashtra. The principal investigator of the study, Dr Arjun L Khandare, scientist 'E', Food and Drug Toxicology Research Centre (FDRTC), NIN told The Times of India that the consumption of Khesari dal was found to be minimal and it was primarily in the form of gravy which showed minimal exposure of ODAP/day.
"The nutrition status of the people residing in the area was good without any major health problems. There were no recent cases of lathyrism except two old cases in the area which were correlated with consumption of Khesari dal as a staple food," Dr Arjun Khandare said.
It may be mentioned here that due to the presence of a neuro-excitatory amino acid referred to as ODAP, a crippling disease called Neurolathyrism occurs when the legume is consumed. This was the reason why Khesari dal was banned in the country in 1955. However, there is no ban on sale of Khesari dal in Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra and West Bengal.
Despite a ban, the legume is being cultivated in small quantities in Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.
Since Khesari dal (Lathyrus sativus) is a high-yielding and drought resistant legume, there has been a demand to lift the ban on its sale. International studies have shown that Khesari dal contains 31 per cent protein, 41 per cent carbohydrate, 17 per cent total dietary fibre, two per cent fat and two per cent ash, on a dry matter basis.
It may be mentioned here that NIN had earlier done a study on animals feeding goats with Khesari dal. The findings of the study only confirmed that consumption of Khesari dal does result in lathyrism.
However, following the Planning Commission's recommendation, a study was taken up to assess the status of Khesari dal production, its consumption and to identify cases of lathyrism in two blocks of Gondia district (Tiroda and Gondia) in Maharashtra. In the two cases of lathyrism that were detected, they were found to be old cases in which the victims had consumed considerably large quantities of Khesari dal during critical situations.
It was found in the study that 61 per cent of the population was consuming Khesari dal and the average consumption was 12-20 gm in the form of gravy and no health effects were observed.

DINAMALAR NEWS

School mess inspected after suspected food poisoning

Six school students were admitted to the District Hospital here on Tuesday due to suspected food poisoning. The students, identified as Jephin Saji, Ajay Krishnan (Plus One students), P.S. Abhijit, O.S. Anandu, H. Hameed and Alfy Punnen (Class 8 students), of M.T. Seminary School were admitted after complaining of discomfort since Monday night. The students, all of them stayed at the school hostel, suffered from severe stomach pain and vomiting some time after they had their dinner.

Soon after the students were admitted to the hospital, food safety officials led by Kottayam food safety officer S. Aji and Kanjirappally food safety officer D. Wilson arrived at the school and conducted an inspection of the mess facilities. The officials advised the school authorities to modernise the facilities used for the preparation of food. The affected students, who had gained admission through the sports quota, alleged the food items that had been provided were unfit for consumption.

In addition, they were not being provided food worth the amount of Rs. 4500 allocated by the government for the purpose for each sports quota students. They were discharged from the hospital by Tuesday evening.

Meanwhile, the school authorities have said the same food items had been provided for all the students of the hostel including the faculty.

Students suffered severe stomach pain and vomiting after having dinner from the hostel.

Traders’ body plans rally against FDI

Opposing Centre’s decision allowing foreign direct investment (FDI) in multi-brand retail and the Food Safety and Standards Act, the Tamil Nadu Vanigar Sangankalin Peramaippu has decided to take out a rally in Chennai towards the Raj Bhavan on November 19. A resolution to this effect was adopted at the conclusion of the Peramaippu’s State, regional and district level office bearers meeting held here on Tuesday.

Briefing reporters soon after the meeting, its state president A.M. Vikramaraja said the Peramaippu had been consistently opposing the Central government’s decision allowing FDI in multi-brand retail as it would affect the livelihood of the trading community across the country. About 20 lakh traders in Tamil Nadu would be affected, he said alleging that the Central government was trying to destroy the livelihood of the trading community.

Accepting the demands of the multinationals such as the Walmart, the Centre had relaxed certain preconditions and had “surrendered” to foreign companies, he alleged. Mr. Vikramaja said entry of multi-nationals in the retail sector would not create jobs .

Urging the Centre to stop implementing the Food Safety and Standards Act as it affected those involved in the food industry, the Peramaippu wanted drastic changes in the Act. A special meeting of the traders body at the national level would be held on September 3 and 4 at Raipur in Chhattisgarh.

15ஆயிரம்போதைபாக்குகள் அழிப்பு

கோத்தகிரி, ஆக.21:

கோத்தகிரி சுற்றுவட்டார பகுதியில் தடை செய்யப்பட்ட பான்மசாலா மற்றும் புகையிலை பொருட்களை தாராள மாக விற்பனை செய்யப்படுவது குறித்து தினகரன் நாளிதழில் செய்தி வெளியானது. இதனை தொடர்ந்து கலெக்டர் அர்ச்சனா பட்நாயக் உத்தரவின் பேரில் மாவட்ட சுகாதார துணை இயக்குநர் டாக்டர் பானுமதி தலைமையில் சுகாதார மேற்பார்வையாளர் மணிகுண்டன், சுகாதார ஆய்வாளர்கள் குமாரசாமி, பிரேம்குமார் ஆகியோர் கோத்தகிரி டானிங்டன், மார்க்கெட், பஸ்நிலையம், காமராஜர் சதுக்கம், எஸ் கைகாட்டி, நெடுகுளா ஆகிய பகுதிகளில் உள்ள கடைகளில் திடீர் சோதனை நடத்தினர்.

இதில் பல்வேறு கடைகளில் பான்ம சாலா, புகையிலை பொருட்களை பறிமுதல் செய்தனர். இதில் டானிங்டன் பகுதி கடையில், தடை செய்யப்பட்ட பொருட்களை பறிமுதல் செய்து, ரூ.200 அபராதம் விதிக்கப்பட்டது. தொடர்ந்து ரூ.15 ஆயிரம் மதிப்பிலான பான்மசாலா, புகையிலை பொருட்களை பறிமுதல் செய்து அவற்றை கோத்தகிரி பேரூராட்சி அலுவலக செயல் அலுவலர் பழனி முன்னிலையில் தீயிட்டு அழித்தனர்.

இதுகுறித்து டாக்டர் பா னுமதி கூ றுகையில், தடை செய்த புகையிலை பொரு ட்களை குறித்து தொடர்ந்து நடத்தப்படும். இதில் வியாபாரிகள் தடை செய்யப்பட்ட பொருட்களை விற்பனை செய்வது கண்டறியப்பட்டால் அவர்கள் மீது நடவடிக்கை எடுப்பதோடு கடை உரிமமும் ரத்து செய்யப்படும். தவிர தடை செய்யப்பட்ட பொருட்களை வாங்கி உபயோகப்படுத்துபவர்கள் மீதும் அபராதம் விதிக்கப்படும் என்றா.

திண்டுக்கல்லில் உயிர்களை உறிஞ்சும் தரமற்ற உணவு பண்டங்கள்

Food poisoning: 5 students taken ill

KOTTAYAM: Five students of M T Seminary School were admitted to District Hospital here after they developed symptoms of food poisoning after consuming food from the school hostel on Tuesday.
Jefin Saji and Ajay Krishnan of Plus One and class eight students P S Abhijith, H Hamid and Alphy I Punnen were admitted in hospital in the morning after complaining of vomitting and stomach pain.
They were kept under observation and were discharged by 3pm after they were found to be fine, said George J Palamattom, hospital superintendent.
The students were those selected by the Kerala Sports Council. After the centralised sports hostel in Kottayam was closed down in June, the students were accommodated at the hostels of various schools and college in the town. The building in which the hostel functioned belonged to the municipality and they shut the building after the council failed to clear the rent arrears.
Food safety officer Aji S, who examined the boarding of the school, said that some rectifications have to be done. "We have served notice to the school and have also taken samples of food materials and sent it to the laboratory in Kochi," he said.
The students also gave statements stating they developed problems after having dinner on Monday which included rice and beef. However, no other student has developed similar symptoms, he added.
According to some inmates, the students have been regularly complaining about the cleanliness and quality of food here. "We are not served food according to the menu fixed by the Sports Council," said an inmate.
Some students and their parents had filed a complaint to the Sports Council authorities in Thiruvanathapuram regarding this on Monday.
Padmini Thomas, Kerala State Sports Council president confirmed that the parents of some students had lodged complaint on Monday. "The council have given a menu to the schools and we are paying Rs 150 per day for the students. We will examine whether it is strictly followed and would take action," she said.
Around 24 students selected by the council are staying in the hostel.
They are into athletics and football. They are being trained by the coaches of Sports Council.