Found detergent in your milk? Take a sample, file a complaint

While steps are being taken to check the adulteration of food, active involvement of consumers in reporting such cases can help in controlling the menace effectively, the state authorities believe.

While steps are being taken to check the adulteration of food, active involvement of consumers in reporting such cases can help in controlling the menace effectively, the state authorities believe.

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Mahesh Zagade, commissioner, Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Maharashtra, has promised appropriate action on complaints regarding the presence of adulterants in food items and related matters. He has urged people to be more vigilant and come forward with their complaints.

Hindustan Times had, on Thursday, reported about the increasing usage of adulterants such as colour/dyes, chemicals like calcium carbide and even detergents in our daily food items such as vegetables, fruits and milk. Last month, FDA, Mumbai had seized 6,000kg mangoes that were artificially ripened using calcium carbide – a carcinogenic substance.

The FDA is a prime instrument in the state that ensures consumer protection. Under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, which came into force on August 5, 2011, every area has food safety officers who are bound to act on complaints and carry out the requisite tests. The act consolidates the law relating to food and lays down science-based standards for food items. It also regulates its manufacture, storage and distribution.

Zagde said that the FDA carries out random tests and raids, but public should not just depend on that, and be more responsive and vigilant. Officials also advise institutions related to manufacture as well as distribution of food to undertake self-audit.

Health activists recommend that people should provide the authorities with exact information of the incident, bills and samples while filing a complaint.

Zagade said: “Whether the product is branded or not, people just need to file a complaint with the food sample, so that we can carry out the test and act accordingly.”

To reduce the health risks, activists suggest that consumers should avoid buying vegetables and fruits with spots and necrosis, or from an unknown vendor. Fruits and vegetables should be washed thoroughly. Also, people should refrain from buying or consuming fruits that are cut from open market.