Kerala Food Safety Commissonerate warns stern action on sale of bottled water violationg law

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Packaged drinking water should not be sold in the state without the relevant food safety licence or BIS certification, the Food Safety Commissonerate said on Thursday. Violations will be dealt with sternly under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, the commissionerate said. The commissionerate has issued the warning following complaints of several brands selling packaged drinking water engaging in the in violation of the law and the provisions of the BIS. 

Rule 2.1.2 of the Food Safety and Standards Act makes a food safety licence mandatory for the production of packaged drinking water. The quality of the product is governed by rule 2.10.8 of the Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulation. The Kerala High Court also had ordered stern action against companies engaged in the sale of water in violation of these rules and regulations. 

The Food Safety Commissionerate has urged the public to pass on information regarding such violations to the assistant commissioners (Food Safety) in the districts, the food safety mobile vigilance squad or on toll-free number 1800 425 1125.Mobile vigilance squad numbers: Thiruvananthapuram - 8943346195; Ernakulam - 8943346196; Kozhikode - 8943346197

Food safety in the Kerala takes a back seat

The food safety department officials have been on their toes for the last few months because of a spurt in cases related to violation of the food safety rules. With social media also working overtime, officials say that it has become difficult for them to keep up with the pace as they are acutely short of staff.

If it were the Lassi shops in Kochi last month, this week, it was repackaging of food items past their expiry date. Senior officials with the department, who didn’t want to be named, said that they don’t even have half the staff or infrastructure that the excise department enjoys and yet they have a large work portfolio. “Everybody wants to ensure safety of food. It is high time that the government gives us the adequate staff and infrastructure to handle the challenges.”

According to the food safety rules, an assembly constituency should have a food safety officer. However, there is a shortage in many districts. Officials said that in districts which have corporations and municipalities, there is a need for at least two assistant commissioners - one to handle the licences and another for monitoring and surveillance. “We need at least two vehicles - one for the squad and one for department officials. Now there is a Quick Response Team which often hires vehicles when it goes for conducting checks,” a senior official said. There are only three squads in the state - one in each region as of now.

The department gets side-lined as it comes under the health department and is not considered an independent vertical.

“We also have a shortage of testing labs. As of now, there are only three laboratories in the state. Every district should have one lab, so that the samples are checked fast. Speedy disposal of cases is yet another issue as RDO, burdened with revenue complaints, is the appellate authority,” said a senior official. 

The Panangad police team headed by sub-inspector Rejin M Thomas has intensified the search for Siva Subrahmanyam, suspected to be the master brain behind this repackaging of food items past their shelf life at a warehouse in Nettoor.

"The well-equipped unit has all modern equipment to repack food items manufactured by major brands. We also suspect they were engaged in manufacturing duplicates of brands with high market demand,” he said.

The police have registered a case against Karwar Alliance Pvt Ltd over the incident. The samples have been sent for detailed lab tests. "We have registered a case against the firm for forgery and cheating,” said Rejin M Thomas, Panangad sub-inspector.

Food inspector Zakkeer Husain said the firm was repacking products with fancy names like choco-vita, malto-vita etc and selling it under the offer ‘buy one, get one free’. “There were also free gifts bundled with the products which are aimed at enticing the customer,” he said.

Step by Step effect: DM asks all school canteens to be inspected

NOIDA: The district magistrate of Gautam Budh Nagar has ordered the inspection of all school canteens in the wake of around 200 students falling ill after having food and water served at Step by Step school.

BN Singh, the DM, said he had instructed the chief medical officer and the basic education officer to ensure canteens and eateries in schools followed guidelines laid down in the Food Safety Standards Act, 2006. Officials have been instructed to check for batch numbers, manufacturing date and nutrition value on packets of spices and edible oil used to cook food for students. “Spices and edible oil should be of good quality and they must be packed tightly. Those cooking the food must wear gloves and ensure the surroundings are clean. The canteen and the school should both preserve food samples for at least 24 hours so they can be examined in case such an incident happens,” Singh said.

Officials from the food and health departments have visited Step by Step twice after the students there took ill. While the first visit last week yielded little other than ajwain and edible oil, the second inspection to collect water samples from the school’s taps on Wednesday was done after the tanks had been cleaned.

Vedpal Singh Pundir, the SHO of Expressway police station, said Step by Step had written to police naming 12 persons who managed the canteen on the campus. Sodexo, the agency that manned the kitchen, said it was yet to get any intimation from the police.

The DM said the teams would often make surprise visits to schools. If items are found to be substandard, a Rs 1 lakh fine would be levied each on the school and the agency manning the kitchen. “There is also a provision for three months’ imprisonment. The schools have been specifically told to ensure food safety standards and cooperate with the administration and police if need be,” Singh said.

CMO Anurag Bhargava said the health department would soon form teams to go on inspections. “We will soon issue an advisory for all schools about food and water served to students. The school management and the canteen operator would be asked to taste the food first before serving it,” he said.

Health dept raids dairy, collects 9 milk samples, destroys 20 kg cream

Ludhiana: The district health department conducted a raid at a dairy on Rahon Road and collected nine milk samples from there on Thursday. The team of health officials also destroyed 20 kgs of unhealthy cream found in the dairy. The department has launched a special drive to check adulteration of food items in the district.

They found 120 kgs of skimmed milk, 16 kgs of palm oil and 2 tins of refined oil from the dairy. Officials filled the samples of skimmed milk, palm oil, cheese, ghee, milk and colouring agent from the dairy for testing. Samples of namkeen and ice cream were also collected from a bakery on Rahon Road.

Meanwhile, a team of health officials collected 23 samples from dairies, grocery shops, restaurants and wholesale traders in Jagraon and Mullanpur. Officials collected milk, cheese, curd, butter, ghee, ice-cream, green chutney, tea, tomato sauce paneer tikka and red chili sauce from a restaurant on GT Road, Jagraon. All the samples collected from various shops and dairies were sent to the state laboratory and the department is expected to receive the report in the next few days.

Food safety officer Yogesh Kumar said they have served a notice to the dairy owner on Rahon Road for not maintaining hygiene at the shop and he has been asked to submit a report for cleanliness certificate within a week.

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Collector warns sellers against adulteration of drinks this summer

Trichy: Collector K Rajamani on Wednesday warned manufactures and shop owners selling fruits, fruit juices and bottled/ packaged drinks of any kind of adulteration in their products this summer.

He asked them to obtain the necessary certificates as per Food, Safety and Standards Act, 2006 from the food safety and drug administration department in Trichy. He also said that before purchasing taste and colour enhancers, they should check its Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) number, expiry date and the manufacturer’s address.

The collector urged them to keep their shops/ stalls in a hygienic manner. He mentioned that the shops/ stalls serving puree and buttermilk should make sure the cup in which they serve is not rusted. He also emphasised juice shops to keep the ice trays clean and not expose fruits to sunlight and store them only in refrigerators.

Rajamani also instructed them to keep the sugar away from water and serve drinks and juice items in stainless steel or glass tumbler.

The collector also came up with a list of advisories for the general public too. He asked people to bring their own vessel to get juice items packed. He also instructed them to not drink sarbath if it is found to be blue in colour. The public were also advised against buying juice served in recycled poor quality plastic cups.

In case of any queries, people could call the district food safety department (0431-2333330) or send their complaint over WhatsApp to the number 94440 42322.

Mango, sugarcane juice outlets checked by VMC

Vadodara: Food safety officers of the Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) continued their crackdown on vendors selling mango or sugarcane juice and other food items consumed widely during summer.

Teams of the civic body checked seven vendors in the Parshuram Bhattha, Akota, Harinagar and Gotri areas of the city. These included three selling mango juice and four selling sugarcane juice.

The teams destroyed 62kg material including 40kg mango juice, two kilogram fruits and 20kg ice. Officials said that these were not found fit for consumption or were in an unhygienic condition. The teams also collected one food sample from these establishments. The sample will be analysed at VMC’s public health laboratory.

Officials added that two vendors did not have food licences and were issued notices in this regard.

VHP threatens stir over meat shops in Haridwar

HARIDWAR: Following a local Vishwa Hindu Parisha (VHP) leader’s self-immolation attempt outside a police station earlier this week in protest against meat shops operating in Jwalapur locality of Haridwar, the saffron organization and Bajrang Dal on Wednesday threatened to launch an agitation in the holy city if shops are not closed immediately.

Haridwar district VHP president, Nitin Gautam, said, “We do not want anything less than closure of all meat shops running without a license. If this is not done, the administration should be prepared to face a backlash.” The administration’s assurance that action will be taken against the shops did not satisfy the Bajarang Dal leaders. They complained that the matter had been brought to the administration’s notice several times, but to no avail.

He added, “Bajrang Dal leaders met the district magistrate, senior superintendent of police and municipal commissioner for action in the matter on Tuesday, but they only assured action and did nothing.”

Referring to a resolution adopted by the then nagar palika parishad (NPP) Haridwar on March 27, 2003 to close the shops, he said that the civic body failed to implement it.

“Subsequent resolutions passed by it also met the same fate,” he said, adding that the nagar nigam had a few years ago decided to shift the shops to Sarai village on the city’s outskirts, but the plan is yet to be executed.

According to sources, while sale of liquor, egg, meat and fish had been prohibited in the holy city since long, a law for it was enacted in 1916 by the NPP which was established in 1868. According to the NPP bylaws, there can be no liquor shop within 7 km of municipal limits. It allowed only four meat shops to be opened at Jwalapur. The VHP has been since decades demanding ban on the shops which number about 150 today, Gautam said.

Haridwar tehsildar, Sunaina Rana, raided the meat market on Wednesday and pasted notices outside the shops warning “a penalty of Rs 1 lakh if the shops are not registered with the food safety department.” Rana told TOI, “Dozens of shops were found operating illegally. They have been given a week’s time to get themselves registered. Otherwise, they will have to face action as per rules.”

Meanwhile, Charanjit Pahwa, the VHP leader who had reportedly suffered around 40% burns is undergoing treatment at the ICU of a Dehradun hospital.

Police have registered a case of attempted suicide against Pahwa and they were trying to identify those who allegedly instigated him for self-immolation.

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Karnataka: Food Safety Commissionerate marred by under-qualified officers

BENGALURU: The Food Safety Commissionerate has requested for an inquiry committee to be set up to check the qualifications of 55 Food Safety Officers. The Food Safety Officer, one per every taluk, has a modest target of sending only five food samples a month to the four food testing labs in the state. Since there are 197 FSOs working, the labs should receive at least 985 food samples, but they aren't receiving them. 

"Unless they send samples, there's no proof that they do field work. Also, the recruitment of 210 regular food safety officers is pending with the secretariat since July last year," said Dr Harshvardan B, Deputy Commissioner (squad) of Food Safety. The Food Safety Commissionerate, that comes under the state Health Department, is flooded with officers who aren't qualified to hold these posts. Former health commissioner Subodh Yadav had come to this conclusion after an inquiry before he had left the post. But till today, new recruitments have not been made.

According to the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India Act, Food Safety Officer shall be a full-time officer and shall possess a degree in Food Technology/ Dairy Technology/Biotechnology/Oil Technology/Agricultural Science/Veterinary Sciences/Bio-Chemistry/Microbiology/Masters Degree in Chemistry/degree in medicine or must have successfully completed training as specified by the Food Authority.

In cases where a medical officer of health administration of local area has been performing the function of food inspector, the State government employs them as food inspectors. "There are 210 sanctioned posts, but only 197 are working, out of which 110 are medical doctors. We have no idea about the qualifications that the other 87 hold. They may be office superintendents, block health education officers, entomologists or Class XII passouts. We have requested for setting up an inquiry committee that is pending with the Health Commissioner," Harshvardan said.

Is your honey pure enough? FSSAI to ensure purity with 20 parameter test

As per the information available with Zee Business, the new standards for honey will be released in the month of June 2018. The new standards will have 20 parameters to check the purity of honey. The parameters will also focus on sugar concentrate in the honey and they will be tested as per C4 and C3 norms to know its purity

To ensure purity of honey that reaches the consumers in the market, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has decided to release new standards to test the purity of honey. As per the information available with Zee Business, the new standards for honey will be released in the month of June 2018. The new standards will have 20 parameters to check the purity of honey. The parameters will also focus on sugar concentrate in the honey and they will be tested as per C4 and C3 norms to know its purity. 

Pawan Agarwal, the CEO of FSSAI, in an exclusive talk with Zee Business's Suman Agrawal, said, "Sugar and Corn syrups can be used for adulteration of the honey and till date we never had the method to check this adulteration. But, the new standards will have certain provisions to have a check on sugar concentrate in Honey. The standards will be notified as soon as the mechanism of testing method is finalised at our end." He added, "the notification will allow us to have a check on adulteration of honey with the help of sugar and corn syrup."

Earlier on December 14, 2017, the FSSAI issued a draft notification on Food Safety and Standards (Food Product Standard and Food Additives) Amendment Regulation related to standards of Honey, Bee Wax & Royal Jelly, Steviol glycoside along with pulses and other products. These amendments regulations prescribed revised standards for honey and comprehensive standards for all pulses and for all other products, there are new standards. These amendments will ensure purity and quality of these food products. 

In addition, BL Saraswat; the executive director at National Bee Board, added, "there was a need to bring new standards to monitor the purity of honey."

The decision to revise the standards was taken in the backdrop of complaints related to adulteration in Honey. Complains are there the honey is being adulterated with sugar, water and sugar syrup. Adulteration of honey with these products makes it difficult to identify the purity of the product. Besides, in past, some reports claimed that China is also sending adulterated honey to India. 

About the Existing Standards 

The food regulator, FSSAI's existing guidelines mainly focused on the antibiotic, moisture, sucrose, hydroxymethyl furfural instead of adulteration. But the new standards, yet to be released will have guidelines to check the sugar concentration in honey.

KWA’s bottled water plant to be opened in two months

Thiruvananthapuram: After years of delay, the Kerala water authority has reached the final phase of construction of the bottled water plant at Aruvikkara. The test run of the machineries have begun. The KWA is hoping to commission the project within two months.

The KWA began the process to construct the plant in Aruvikkara in 2010. Even after inviting several tenders KWA was not able to get a bidder for the project. The delay has invited serious criticism from the part of CAG in its report in 2013. They CAG has criticized that KWA was a failure in taking up income-generating projects. KWA has invited around six tenders for the project.

The project got a revival two years ago when KWA decided to tender the project as three different components such as civil, electrical and mechanical. It also revised the estimate from Rs 2.2 crore to Rs 10 crore. Now the installation of machineries has completed. KWA officials said that they would soon approach food safety and standard authority and Bureau of Indian Standards for the certification process. “Some works related to electrical connections need to be completed. Currently the test run is progressing on DC generator. After that we are waiting for inspection of electrical inspectorate,” said an official.

The bottled water plant of KWA has a capacity to produce 7,200 litres per day. KWA is planning to release water in 500 ml, 1 litre, 2 litre and 20 litre bottles/cans. KWA is using revere osmosis with UV, dechlorination and filtration to treat the water.

Water resources minister Mathew T Thomas has informed Assembly that the government has not decided on the price of the bottle water. The KWA, which is facing a major cash crunch, is hopeful of the bottling water project, as it one of the few income-generating projects. Currently, KWA has no bottle water project under it. The lone government-owned bottle water project is the ‘Hilly Aqua’ of Kerala Irrigation Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (KIIDC).

Here's why you should avoid canned foods

Researchers found that canned food contained 100 times the daily dietary allowance of zinc. 

The next time you opt for canned foods such as corn, tuna, asparagus or chicken, think twice. They may contain zinc oxide that can potentially damage your digestive system, warn researchers. The findings showed that nanoparticles of zinc oxide present in the lining of certain canned goods, usually considered good for its antimicrobial properties and preventing staining of sulfur-producing foods, may negatively affect the way in which human digestive tract operates. 

"We found that zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles at doses that are relevant to what you might normally eat in a meal or a day can change the way that your intestine absorbs nutrients or your intestinal cell gene and protein expression," said Gretchen Mahler, Associate Professor at the Binghamton University in the New York.

Researchers found that canned food contained 100 times the daily dietary allowance of zinc. 

"They tend to settle onto the cells representing the gastrointestinal tract and cause remodelling or loss of the microvilli, which are tiny projections on the surface of the intestinal absorptive cells that help to increase the surface area available for absorption," Mahler added.

This loss of surface area tends to result in a decrease in nutrient absorption.

Some of the nanoparticles also cause pro-inflammatory signaling at high doses, and this can increase the permeability of the intestinal model, the researcher said. 

In other words, it can even allow the passage of compounds that are not supposed to pass through into the bloodstream.

The study, published in the journal Food & Function, looked at how many particles might be transferred into the canned food.

"Our model shows that the nanoparticles do have effects on our in vitro model, and that understanding how they affect gut function is an important area of study for consumer safety," Mahler said.

YOUR MONEY CAN BUY YOU DISEASES, SAYS FSSAI

FSSAI calls for drive to generate awareness to discourage the simultaneous handling of food and currency notes.

The ubiquitous currency that you handle on a daily basis from the roadside panipuriwala to the cashier or your sabziwala can be the cause of food poisoning, skin, respiratory and gastro infections. Handling of currency with unclean and soiled hands, use of saliva during counting and storage under unhygienic conditions leads to its contamination with harmful microorganisms, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has said. —Brendan Dabhi

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What research says

Professor Arun Arya, of-ficiating head of Department of Environmental Studies and former head of Botany at MS University in Vadodara, told Mirror, “When we carried out our sample study a few years ago, though we did not find any major diseases, we did find fungi on the currency that can cause allergies and skin problems.”

The Regional Sophisticated Instrumentation Center (RSIC)that had examined currency notes found germs that can cause tuberculosis, meningitis, tonsillitis, peptic ulcers, throat infections and genital tract infections.

Doctors’ warning

Dr Kamlesh Upadhyay, Head of Medicine at Civil Hospital Asarwa, told Mirror, “There are two ways that diseases can spread. First through foodstuff that is contaminated. Second, the vendor may have disease or the vendor’s hands may be unclean.”

On what types of diseases can be spread through such means, Dr Upadhyay said, “From common cold, flu and food poisoning, it can go up to tuberculosis, Hepatitis A and C as well as other airborne diseases.”

Dr Kalpesh Talati, physician at Zydus Hospital, said, “People need to clean their hands while handling currency and wherever possible, even ask the vendors to do so. ”

Implement food safety standards: DB

JAMMU: A Division Bench (DB) of State High Court comprising Chief Justice (A) Ramalingam Sudhakar and Justice Sanjeev Kumar on Tuesday directed State to take all possible steps to ensure that the provisions of the Food, Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and the Regulations framed there under are implemented in letter and spirit.

The significant order came in a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Voice for Rights, an NGO working for human rights, seeking a direction to the respondents to ban the use of toxic chemicals like Calcium Carbide for ripening of fruits in Jammu and Kashmir and to implement the provisions of Food, Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

The DB observed that this Court vide its order dated June 9, 2017, took cognisance of the grievance projected by the petitioner and put State and other official respondents to notice and directed them to submit a report with regard to the action, if any, taken by them to prevent the use of toxic chemicals by the fruit vendors.

It was observed that compliance to the aforesaid order, the Divisional Commissioner, Jammu has submitted an action taken report indicating therein that the Controller, Drugs and Food Control Organisation, J&K had been taking requisite action under law.

The DB also observed that this Court vide order dated September 20, 2017, while taking note of the aforesaid action taken report submitted by the Divisional Commissioner, Jammu passed some directions to ensure that the provisions of the Act and regulations framed thereunder are strictly implemented. The Controller, Drugs and Food Control Organisation has also filed compliance report in terms of aforesaid order indicating the steps taken by the organisation to address the issues raised in the petition.

The DB after going through aforesaid action taken reports filed from time to time and the compliance reports in terms of aforesaid orders by Divisional Commissioner, Jammu and Controller, Drugs and Food Control Organisation expressed satisfaction that the respondents have taken and are taking adequate measures to redress the grievance projected by the petitioner in the PIL. “Nothing more is required to be done in the matter except directing the respondents to continue their drive and curb the menace of artificial ripening of fruits by the use of Calcium Carbide and other toxic substances. This action will also include milk adulteration”, the court observed.

With these observations, the DB closed this petition, however, giving liberty to the petitioner to approach this Court again, in case the respondents fail to perform their duties to implement food safety standards.

FSSAI launches initiative to address Vitamin D deficiency

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) on Monday launched 'Project Dhoop', an initiative aimed at shifting the school assembly time to noon to ensure maximum absorption of Vitamin D in students through natural sunlight.

The project was launched at National Bal Bhavan here, and saw participation of around 600 students from NCERT, NDMC and North MCD Schools.

FSSAI CEO Pawan Agarwal said the schools across the country have been sent two advisories aking them to hold daily assembly between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m..

"Project Dhoop's Noon Assembly is an innovative and effective concept to ensure that school students get adequate Vitamin D through sunlight, while also opting to choose food products like milk and edible oils that are fortified with Vitamins A and D," he said.

The concerns among parents about assembly at noon would be addressed properly, he added.

Agarwal also said that opting for fortified foods (with +F symbol) was a simple and inexpensive way to address micronutrient deficiencies "without any radical change in behaviour or eating patterns".

Both fortified milk and fortified edible oil are now readily available across the country, he added.

The initiative has been conceptualised by McCannHealth and supported by Kwality (Ltd).

Studies have shown that over 90 per cent of boys and girls across the country were deficient in Vitamin D while the number ranged between 90-97 per cent for school children in Delhi, said Kabir Basu Roy, Chief Marketing Officer of Kwality.

"It was this knowledge that led us to fortify many of our products with Vitamin D and other essential nutrients," a release quoted him as saying.

Unsafe Food Products of FMCG Brands Repacked and Sold in Kerala

Recently, parents of a play school going girl in Trivandrum, found to their horror that the Hide and Seek biscuits they purchased from a local super market had live worms in it. This was first detected by the play school staff when they opened the biscuit cover during snacks break. Hide and Seek is a brand owned by leading biscuit and confectionery company, Parle Products Ltd with an annual turnover of Rs 10,000 cr.

On Saturday in Ernakulam, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and local corporation officials were shocked to find fungus infested biscuits, chocolates and energy drinks of leading food brands beyond use by date repacked in a godown of a distribution agency near Maradu. Apart from old food products, soap and soap powders were also repacked in this manner.

New dates were stamped and distributed to supermarkets and hypermarkets for sale possibly on special discounts. The Food Safety Officers sealed the premises and is likely to cancel the license for functioning of the agency. The agency is a state-wide distributor of leading consumer brands in Kerala and the old food products were brought from Tamilnadu, according to investigating officials.

Among the major brands whose products were repacked by the distribution agency include of Nestle India, Elite Food Products, some brands of palmolein oil and Japanese brand Hello Panda biscuits. At the time of the raid, six packing staff and three office staff were only present in the premises while the promoter of the enterprise, Shiva, a native of Tamilnadu was not present.

Consumer organisations pointed out that sale of out of expiry products poses a great health risk to people and stringent action must be taken by the companies and food safety officials to ensure the culprits are brought to book. The officials said that it was not yet clear whether the repacking was done with the knowledge and approval of the leading brands.

Health dept asked to inspect milk products

Move follows claims of adulteration

Health Minister Satyendar Jain on Monday ordered his department to inspect milk products on a daily basis and submit reports after several MLAs raised the issue of adulteration in the Delhi Assembly.

‘Synthetic milk’

AAP MLA Rajesh Rishi from Jankapuri claimed that synthetic milk is being supplied in the city, which is allegedly “damaging kidneys and liver” of people.

Other AAP MLAs also raised the issue, seeking strict action against those involved in food adulteration.

“I am issuing an order today to my department to conduct inspections of milk products on daily basis and submit reports to my office,” Mr. Jain told the House.

Panel formed

Speaker Ram Niwas Goel also formed a seven-member committee to suggest amendments in the existing laws to ensure stern action against the culprits.

MLAs Mandan Lal, Manjinder Singh Sirsa, Nitin Tyagi, Alka Lamba, Anil Vaipayee, Adarsh Shastri and S.K. Bagga have been appointed as panel members.

Mr. Goel said that the government will incorporate suggestions made by the committee, which will work in coordination with the House panel on health.

The health minister said that the government will table a draft bill in the House and send the same to the Centre for its nod.

FDA finds unhygenic canteens at GMC, Kala Academy

Panaji: The Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) on Monday ordered the canteens at Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMC) to halt operations immediately after it was found to be hygienic. The Kala Academy canteen was also directed to suspend activities following an inspection.

After seeing no improvement in the conditions of the outpatient department (OPD), college and ground floor canteens at GMC, despite being served notices in the past, the food safety authority on Monday issued spot inspection reports. The FDA also issued a similar notice to the Kala Academy canteen.

At Kala Academy, the kitchen flooring was dirty, greasy and in a soiled condition. The exhaust fan was non-functional, while the gas stove and working platform were greasy. Loose wiring and broken switches in the kitchen were soiled, and utensils were broken. Water leakage was also observed during the inspection.

During the inspections at GMC, sources said the FDA discovered ants, lizards and cockroaches in the kitchen, while the refrigerator smelled foul with food items not covered. Non-permissible food colours were being used. Windows in the kitchen premises were not fitted with fly-proof netting. Food meant for preparing samosas were stored in garbage bags that were swarming with ants. Cut vegetables were stored in the open, while water filters were not in working condition. The exhaust fan was covered with dust, while flaking of paint was observed in the kitchen.

Raw materials, including cornflower and biryani masala were stored in the open, as well as iron knives and wooden boards used for chopping.

Similar unhygienic conditions and practices were observed in the past during FDA inspections and notices were served. The food and business operators were directed to improve conditions. While temporary improvement was noticed, the FDA noted that operators later reverted to their unhygienic practices and conditions.

Step by Step reopens after meal fiasco, apologises for ‘perception’ that it denied officials access

NOIDA: Step by Step school held classes for the first time on Monday since last Thursday’s ‘food poisoning’ episode, and wrote to the district magistrate to clear the air amid a standoff with police and administration officials who have accused the reputable institution of non-cooperation.

“We understand that certain officials have complained of being denied access to the school premises. In this regard, we wish to convey our regret of such perception. The school has not, and shall never, hinder any authority or public official in the discharge of his/her duties,” the school management said in a two-page letter to BN Singh.

After officials waited for hours for access to the school premises on the afternoon and evening of April 5 — the day students threw up, complained of stomach ache and loose motion — an FIR was filed against the school at the expressway police station in Noida under section 332 (voluntarily causing hurt to deter public servant from duty), 341 (wrongful restraint) and 328 (causing hurt by means of poison), based on a complaint filed by city magistrate Mahendra Singh, who was among those who had to wait for access.

The school admitted that in the last 10 years of its operation, it had never faced an incident of such magnitude and misfortune. “The incident took everyone by surprise and required full attention to the students who were everyone’s concern and first priority. This may have caused inadvertent delay and led to the perception that the school denied access. The misunderstanding is unfortunate and the school profusely and unconditionally apologises for the same. We assure full cooperation with the administration and authorities in all respect,” it said.

In the letter, the school also outlined the sequence of events on April 5, saying some students were initially brought to the infirmary with symptoms of nausea, vomiting and stomach ache. “The school provided first-level treatment to such students. Soon, thereafter, the number of students with similar symptoms increased. The school promptly called Max Hospital for medical assistance. The hospital sent a team of doctors, paramedics, and nurses along with two ambulances to the school,” it wrote in the letter, adding parents of the affected students were also informed.

According to parents and health department officials, around 150 students were affected after eating meals, with the symptoms manifesting in several kids the next day. Around 90 children were treated at various private hospitals in Noida and Delhi. The school’s meals are prepared and served by Sodexo, whose services it suspended on Thursday itself.

The school’s letter to the DM did not specify how many students were affected or what they had eaten that might have led to them falling ill. The food department found only ajwain and edible oil in the school’s pantry during its inspection. It said it found none of the prepared food, not even in the dustbins. The school had said in an email to parents that it shared samples of food and water for tests. Asked about it on Monday, Noida’s food safety and drug administration officer Sanjay Sharmamaintained only ajwain and oil samples had been found at the school.

Police said they were talking to students and parents on the issue. They have also written to the school, asking it to state the exact number of students affected by the meals. District Magistrate Singh said the probe will continue.

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Patch to detecct E coli in food

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'Companies must offer scientific proof for herbal products'

Adulteration with synthetic drugs is rampant, says Vishwakarma.

Are herbal products really that natural as advertised in India?

Ram A Vishwakarma, director, Indian Institute Of Integrative Medicine-Jammu, tells Prerna Katiyar that India has to cover a lot of regulatory ground. Edited excerpts: 

There is a lot of ambiguity around the use of quantity sufficient (QS) or base material. Can you explain what is base material or QS? 

Most people buy herbal products based on a hunch or hearsay. Cosmetics are vanity products. Still, all companies have to get a guarantee of safety. The problem is that registration of cosmetics is not based on the efficacy of a product. For e.g., a company selling an anti-ageing product could be marketing it in the form of cosmetics or medicines or nutraceuticals. For nutraceuticals, we have the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India as the regulator. For drugs, we have a separate regulator. 

The fundamental problem is that India doesn’t have one regulatory pathway. In other countries, the pathway for approval of drugs, cosmetics and nutraceuticals is the same. Of course, the level of requirement of the regulator may vary, with the most stringent criteria being for drugs. India has created the Drug Controller of India, which is the gatekeeper of quality of medicines, and then you have the AYUSH (ministry). India is the only country with two windows of approval. 

Who governs herbal cosmetics? 

On paper, these are regulated by the Indian Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, which comes under the Drug Controller General of India. But the Act is hardly implemented. In the US, if a company claims to have an herbal product that can make the skin glow, it has to show scientific data to back its claims. Here, neither the research on herbal cosmetics is published or patented nor is it reviewed by peers. 

Herbal products have to be manufactured in an accredited facility approved by a regulator. In reality, many herbal companies have outsourced manufacturing. As the products are not medicines, the government is not involved. I am not saying all Indian brands are bad. But scrutiny is non-existent in India. People are mixing products with emotions, which stops the need for any scientific requirement or argument. The level of R&D required is missing. Merely using turmeric and tulsi is not enough. But who cares, as far as you are making money. By using unsubstantiated products, we are harming ourselves. 

What should to be done?

We need scientific proof of what companies claim. Disclosure has to be 100%. A lot of companies are fortifying products with other substances. Adulteration with synthetic drugs is rampant. One can get a food product tested by the FSSAI. There is no such facility for cosmetics. There is no inspection of manufacturing facilities and accreditation. The good thing about Indians is that our skin is brown. This is god’s gift. We don’t get skin cancer easily. How should a customer ensure what he is buying is truly herbal? Do more research on the company before you buy. Look at its R&D. Choose only reputed players and brands. 

Preservatives are used in herbal products for the protection of the customers: Shahnaz Husain

Always buy products of a reputed company, advises Shahnaz Husain.

How does a product qualify as botanical, herbal or ayurvedic? 

Botanical or herbal are overlapping terms that refer to plant products or plant-based extracts and oils. For the uninitiated, a product is considered ‘natural’ when its ingredients are sourced from nature and not created synthetically. 

What was the rationale for entering the herbal market four decades ago when the trend was yet to catch up among Indians? 

When I returned to India and opened my first herbal clinic in 1971, devising treatments and formulating my own herbal products, herbal beauty care did not exist. There were no herbal products and no salon treatments, based on herbal remedies. But faith in ayurveda always existed. That is why our products caught on. We started extending salons through a franchise system. Our first herbal salon opened in Calcutta in 1979 and within a year, we had opened 80 salons in India. I entered the international market in 1982. 

Would you describe Shahnaz Husain as a pure herbal player? 

Ours is a herbal beauty company, based on ayurveda. 

What sets brand Shahnaz Husain apart from other players in the herbal segment?

It is commitment to research and development, and the launch of highly innovative formulations. What also sets the brand apart is that it is not a faceless corporate or brand name. Everyone knows that there is a real person behind the brand who has been trained in cosmetology and cosmetic therapy. In fact, our products have grown out of clinical usage, based on massive client feedback. The brand has become known not only for general beauty care, but also for our clinical treatments and therapeutic products for specific skin and hair problems. 

How much of herbal or botanical components go into the making of a Shahnaz Husain product? 

The percentage of active ingredients in our ayurvedic formulations vary. It could be between 10 and 100% depending on the active ingredient being used, its potency, nature and application of the product. 

Are there products made at Shahnaz Husain that are 100% herbal? 

There are products, mainly powdered and oil formulations, where 100% of the ingredients are from botanical sources. However, it is mandatory to use preservatives, although the quantities are negligible. This ensures shelf life and is for the protection of the customer. 

There is lot of opacity on the QS or base material. 

QS is a word that is mainly used in herbal or pharma products, denoting quantity sufficient mainly of the base materials. Base materials are 

excipients used in formulations and these are pharmacologically inactive or inert materials but play an important role in the formulation of a product. These provide bulk to the formulation, provide stability, absorb the medicaments and prevent decomposition. Base materials provide volume or add mass to active ingredients, thereby facilitating precise metering. 

Who governs herbal or botanical products in India? 

Herbal products are governed by the Drugs and Cosmetics Act and manufacturing licences are issued by the Directorate of ayurvedic and Unani Services of state governments. 

What is the standard procedure to get products certified as herbal or botanical? 

Extensive research goes into the formulation of a herbal product. It takes several months or years before the product is ready for marketing. Clinical trials are done before the products details are sent to the licensing authorities for approval. It goes to a committee formed by the AYUSH Ministry to study all aspects of a new product for the grant of a manufacturing licence. 

How should a customer ensure that what he is buying is herbal? 

Always buy products of a reputed company, as it goes through quality control and testing. What is the outlook for the herbal segment? With total wellness and back-to-nature trends sweeping the world, the herbal, botanical or ayurvedic segment is expected to emerge as the leading one. Herbal beauty business has been driving the beauty business in India.

Time for ‘Safe to Eat Place’: expert

N. Anandavally 

UN ex-official cites Technopark cafeteria inspection and resultant row

It is high time the State government implemented the Safe to Eat Place programme in association with the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation , says N. Anandavally, former Food Safety Consultant of the United Nations.

Talking to The Hindu, Dr. Anandavally said food safety inspection in a cafeteria at Technopark and the subsequent unpleasant scenes reported in the media a few weeks ago should be an eye-opener.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) regulation or any global regulation based on science is transparent and easily implementable. But, the way in which it is being implemented is disturbing for those who knew about the international or Codex system.

Dr. Anandavally said the intent should be to improve and educate those who are unaware of the importance of food safety and take action in case of serious deficiencies or non-compliance.

Proper procedure

It would be improper to go to a food handling facility with an army of police personnel. Instead, two or three food safety officials may visit the facility, evaluate the Good Hygiene Practices (GHPs), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), and the layout or design of the facility, and provide a foolproof report to the authority concerned as is being done elsewhere, she said.

It is also the responsibility of the food safety officers to convince the management who may not be that knowledgeable in the area of food safety, she said.

Citing the recent seizure of stale curd from a godown in Ernakulam, Dr. Anandavally said the government should not wait for a crisis situation to act in the area of food safety.

Need for guidance

Any inspection should be a sort of communication of information and education for those who are being inspected. They should be guided for application of GHPs and GMPs even in a small facility so that issues related to hygiene and food safety would be minimised.

Dr. Anandavally, who initiated the concept of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) to address food safety in 1990, has already conducted more than 5,000 training programmes on food safety.

FSSAI Stresses On Safe Handling Of Street Food By Vendors

According to a report by the Free Press Journal, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has asked the state commissioners of Food Safety to initiate a campaign that encourages safe handling of food and currency. The move came about after various studies were conducted on the currency coins which are completely contaminated.

CONTAMINATED FOOD AND CURRENCY

“The handling of currency with unclean and soiled hands, use of saliva during counting and storage under unhygienic conditions leads to its contamination with a harmful micro-organism.” read the notification according to the Free Press Journal. “Cross-contamination from currency risks human health and causes serious diseases like food poisoning, gastrointestinal infection, skin problems and many more. Especially, children and pregnant women and with weak immune system person are more vulnerable to such infections,” said Dr Om Srivastava, Infection Disease Specialist to the publication.

The focus here is on the food vendors particularly because they tend to give out food and collect money with the same hand and are now going to be discouraged of the practice. “After handling currency, hands should be thoroughly washed before touching food items and vice-versa,” the notification stated. The notification also said that V K Panchal, Deputy Director of FSSAI, Mumbai said that money can be collected with bare hands but the food should be handled while wearing gloves.

He also added that while educated and knowledgeable food vendors will comply, it is the smaller food stalls at various corners of the city is what might cause a problem. “The vendor can try to control the spread by keeping extra hand/assistant for handling of currency exclusively, but that will add to his costing. If the consumer understands the genuine reason and agrees to pay that extra rupee for his protection, the move will be successful,” said Panchal to the Free Press Journal.

FDA asks business operators, fruit vendors to refrain from use of harmful chemicals

Panaji, Apr 7 (UNI) Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) has warned food business operators and fruit vendors to refrain from use of harmful chemicals.

According to a statement here, Directorate of Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) has come across instances wherein agricultural chemicals like Ethapone, Etherel etc are used to ripen fruits like mango, banana etc and that such practice is commonly adopted during the festival season, when the demand of fruits is on the higher side.

''In view of such mal-practice FDA has strictly warned all the food business operators (FBO) dealing in trade of fruits to refrain from use of such harmful chemicals for Artificial ripening of Fruits.

Furthermore, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) have come out with an advisory wherein the use of Ethapone, Carbide etc for artificial ripening is strictly prohibited and hence FDA will engage in special drives to check for use of such chemical and any vendor found using such chemicals or is found in possession of such chemicals will be dealt with seriously as per the penal provision of law,'' the statement said.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has permitted artificial ripening by use of Ethylene gas at a concentration up to 100 ppm depending on the crop, variety and maturity through ethylene gas chambers which are licensed/registered under the Food Safety and Standard Act 2006, the FDA further informed.

Check on lamp ghee after suspected food poisoning

It was alleged that lamp ghee was used for preparing prasadam at a temple

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is conducting checks across Coimbatore district on the label used for ‘lamp ghee’, a low quality ghee used for lighting lamps, following the death of two women near Mettupalayam, who allegedly died of food poisoning caused by temple prasadam made with the product.

B. Vijayalalithambigai, designated officer of FSSAI, said that lamp ghee sold in shops are checked to verify whether the labelling mentions that the product should only be used for lighting lamps and not of edible quality.

“Labels of lamp ghees checked during the inspections by the officials had labels mentioning that they are made for the use of lighting lamps. Ghee made for such non-edible purpose must bear the label, warning the buyers,” said Ms. Vijayalalithambigai.

It was alleged that lamp ghee was used for preparing prasadam at Mariamman temple near Mahadevapuram in Mettupalayam on Tuesday.

While Loganayagi (60) and Savithri (60) of Nadar Colony near Mahadevapuram died of suspected food poisoning, more than 60 people underwent treatement with complaints of stomach pain and diarrhoea at Government Hospital, Mettupalayam.

Officials with the Health Department said that the two women did not come for treatment at the Government hospital.

When food safety officials checked with the persons who prepared the prasadam (made of aval - rice flakes), they informed them that lamp ghee was not used for the preparation.

However, it was found that lamp ghee was used for lighting lamps at the temple.

“They showed us a ghee bottle with a label which said that it should be used only for lighting lamps. We could not confirm if it was used in the prasadam as its samples were not avaialable,” said a food safety officer.

It has also been alleged that the prasadam was prepared previous day night for the ease of serving on Tuesday, which could lead to contamination and growth of micro organisms.

M. Chandhirasekaran, Joint Director of Health Services, said that condition of those who undergoing treatment at the Government hospital was stable.

He said that the reason for the death of the women could be ascertained based on the autopsy report.

Commissioner reviews implementation of FS&S Act

JAMMU: Commissioner Food Safety, Dr. Abdul Kabir Dar chaired a special meeting regarding the present status and preparedness of Food Safety and Standards Act (FSS&S Act) in the State, here on Saturday.

The meeting held deliberations on the new food law and its current status in the state besides on ways and means to streamline the state food safety department.

During the meeting, the newly appointed Food Safety Officers presented their Vision Document and opined their suggestions for streamlining of the state food safety department.

Dr Kabir appreciated the suggestions of FSO’s and other participants and impressed for dedicated efforts to augment food safety in J&K state. He advised the commissionerate to gear up for speedy preparedness for implementation of FSS Act in letter and spirit.

Several important decisions were taken in the meetings including creation of a website, constituting of Flying Squads to address emergency complaints and VIP duties, constituting of Food Safety Resource Person Wing for awareness and training, creation of Research and Development wing in laboratories, Advance funding system for sampling and creation of Standing Committee and a Legal Cell and a toll-free number (to be published in leading dailies) to address the complaints of consumers.

The meeting was attended by Assistant Commissioner Food Safety Jammu Dr. Parvesh Kumar, Assistant Commissioner HQ Jammu Khursheed Ahmad and Public Analyst Public Health Labs J&K Sumit Sharma at Govt. Hospital Gandhi Nagar Jammu and newly appointed Food Safety Officers of Jammu and Kashmir.

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Food watchdog warns fruit traders

Panaji: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned of action if operators in the food business, especially those engaged in the trade of fruits, are found using chemicals to artificially ripen fruits.

FDA will conduct special drives to check for use of such chemicals, and any vendor found guilty of using or in possession of these chemicals will be booked.

In a statement, FDA also said there were instances where agricultural chemicals like ethapone and etherel were being used to ripen mangoes and bananas artificially, which is a common practice during festivals due to the high demand.

FDA has also informed vendors and traders that the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) permits artificial ripening of fruits using ethylene gas at a concentration of up to 100ppm depending on the crop, the variety and maturity, through the use of ethylene gas chambers which are licensed/registered under the Food Saftey and Standard Act 2006.

Food department finds little to test in school kitchen

NOIDA: The food department examined the kitchen of Step by Step school but isn't very hopeful of pinpointing what led to students falling sick after eating their meals on Thursday. That's because none of the food served to students was available and no samples could be taken.

"We even checked the dustbins but they had been emptied by the time we reached. Had we got samples of the prepared food, it would have yielded good results," said Sanjay Sharma, designated officer, food safety and drug administration (FSDA).

The FSDA team waited outside the school's campus in Noida's Sector 132 for two hours before it got access to the school. Inspectors found just two items that they could bring back with them for tests - edible oil and ajwain (carom seeds), possibly used in the paratha served to students. "The results of the two samples should come within a week," Sharma said.

The FSDA said it has suspended the licence of Sodexo, the company responsible for preparing meals for Step by Step students. In an email to parents on Thursday evening, Step by Step said it had suspended Sodexo's services. The school, which does not allow kids to bring food from home, also temporarily suspended that rule and asked parents to send kids with food and water till further notice. The school remained shut on Friday and will resume classes from Monday.

Officials said in 2016, the district administration had imposed a fine of Rs 3 lakh on Sodexo when a sample of syrup collected from the Step By Step canteen hadn't passed the standard test at the government laboratory in Lucknow.

City magistrate Mahendra Singh told TOI since the school did not provide timely access to the FSDA, all samples could not be taken, and that the school had claimed all prepared food was distributed.

"I had met some kids at Jaypee Hospital on Thursday night who told me cheese was also served to them. It was not available at the spot but it is possible that it was contaminated. I agree that the testing might not yield anything since only two ingredients have been taken for sampling," Singh said.

He said administration's concern was that facts should have been shared by the school to ensure the best medical treatment was provided to students.

An official who claimed to be part of Sodexo's human resources at the company's Mumbai office told TOI over the phone they would look into the matter on Monday.

‘Over 100 students fell ill after eating lunch’

FIR lodged against Noida school management; teams visit hospitals

A day after several students fell ill following a meal at a Noida school, teams formed by the Gautam Budh Nagar District Magistrate on Friday visited various hospitals and met parents of the victims to record statements.

Officials said over 100 students had fallen ill after consuming a meal at Step by Step School in Noida Sector 132 on Thursday instead of the initial estimate of 25 children.

“We visited Apollo Hospital, where we found that five children were admitted but released on Friday. Nine children were admitted to Max Hospital, of which two are still admitted. Eighteen children were rushed to Jaypee Hospital, of which 17 have been released,” said Sanjaya Srivastava, Food Safety Officer, Gautam Budh Nagar.

The teams also visited four other hospitals to ascertain the number of students affected.

Students had complained of severe stomach ache after eating lunch on Thursday. The children were taken to various hospitals across the NCR for treatment.

The Food and Safety Department has taken samples of food items served for lunch to the students for forensic testing.

Food samples taken

“If the food samples fail, strict action will be taken against the school,” said District Magistrate B. N. Singh, adding that a report is expected within a week.

“A parent whose son fell sick has given a complaint and we have lodged an FIR against the school under Section 328 [causing hurt by means of poison]. It seems that more than 100 children fell sick. We are trying to meet the families of students to record statements for further investigation,” said Vedpal Singh Pundir, Station House Officer, Expressway police station.

The school management has also been charged under Sections 341 (punishment for wrongful restraint) and 332 (voluntarily causing hurt to deter public servant from his duty). It is alleged that the management did not allow administration teams to enter the premises to probe the incident.

The All Noida School Parents’ Association will meet the Meerut Zone Commissioner on Monday, and is likely to demand that the school’s licence be revoked.

2014 case

In 2014, the Food and Safety Department had taken samples of juice from the school canteen. The samples had failed the test and the administration had imposed a fine of ₹6.5 lakh on the school management and owner of the canteen.

The chicken and egg wars

Lounge asks four topical questions about the future of the bird

Counting chickens and eggs is big business in India, according to the National Action Plan For Egg And Poultry—2022 published by the Union government’s department of animal husbandry, dairying and fisheries, which valued the poultry sector in India at about Rs80,000 crore (2015-16). Therefore, it comes as no surprise that this ubiquitous bird often finds itself at the centre of controversy and competitions.

Last week, there was cause for celebration in Madhya Pradesh as the local black fowl, Kadaknath, was awarded Geographical Indication (GI) status. This bit of news offered some salve for the poultry industry, which has been in crisis mode since an article published in The Guardian in February revealed how farmed chicken in India is pumped with the strongest antibiotics. Overnight, some people swore off chicken, while others returned to their tikkas once the issue lost its prime-time appeal.

As scientists work round the clock to come up with a solution to the country’s growing demand for chicken, the poultry industry is poised on the cusp of change. Lounge takes a closer look at a few of the big questions around this little bird.

Is black the new white?

It was a war for GI supremacy between Madhya Pradesh (MP) and Chhattisgarh as the neighbouring states went head-to-head to claim the local Kadaknath chicken. While the first farms rearing this all-black chicken were set up in Jhabua in Madhya Pradesh in the 1970s, it was Chhattisgarh’s Naxal-affected Dantewada that came up with a winning breeding programme. Although both states had filed for certification, MP emerged the winner, and, almost simultaneously, also came up with an app to market and sell the chicken across the country.

Touted as the black superbird for its high protein and iron content and low cholesterol index, Kadaknath is a rather striking bird, black from beak to bone. Despite being substantially more expensive than the standard chicken, retailing at anything from Rs500-900 per kilogram, it is finding takers among health food enthusiasts as well as fine-dining restaurants. Mumbai’s Indigo Delicatessen serves a slow-cooked black fowl and root vegetable stew while Hyderabad’s organic restaurant Jivati serves up a spicy Andhra-style curry featuring this bird. As chefs like Manish Mehrotra and Jiggs Kalra experiment with new dishes featuring the Kadaknath, this black bird seems destined for culinary fame.

What did we learn from the colistin-laden bird?

There was mayhem in the aftermath of The Guardian article, titled “India’s Farmed Chickens Dosed With World’s Strongest Antibiotics, Study Finds”. The idea of a potential superbug that could arise from the consumption of colistin-laden birds struck fear into the heart of the staunchest chicken-loving Indian. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) also came under the scanner—antibiotic usage among livestock and poultry remains unregulated. Vast quantities of colistin, the last-resort antibiotics used to treat drug-resistant infections, enter India’s massive poultry chain to treat the birds and help them grow faster. This study by the London-based Bureau of Investigative Journalism was picked up by the Indian media. As the conversation around this increases, here’s hoping the stakeholders take action and more free-range chicken farms come up around the country.

Can the chicken we eat ever be clean?

A possible answer lies in the clean meats of tomorrow. Last week, animal welfare organization Humane Society International (HSI) India in partnership with Hyderabad-based Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology announced that they will soon start manufacturing clean meat in a petri dish. The lab-grown meat developed from the bird’s tissue will not require medicines or additives and will do away with issues related to cruelty against animals. As the meat will be grown outside the animal, tweaking the actual nutritional content of the meat could become a real possibility. Although it will take a few years for the product to hit the market, research and development is under way.

Will American drumsticks and Japanese eggs rule the roost?

In the more forseeable future, American chicken legs will soon be lining Indian supermarket shelves. The Union government has lifted food restrictions, allowing frozen poultry from the US. This move is set to meet the growing demand in India for the chicken leg or drumstick, which is considered a prized cut. From the tangri kebab of the north to the chicken fry of the south, there is a chicken drumstick for every occasion.

Meanwhile, in an interesting turn of events, Suzuki, the legendary Japanese carmaker that changed how India looks at cars, is now set to do the same thing with eggs. It has teamed up with Japan’s largest egg producer, Ise Foods, to set up farms based on the latter’s high-tech and hygienic model of egg production, providing know-how and a boost to the domestic egg market.