Sunday, 15 October 2023 | PNS | DEHRADUN
The Food Safety and Drug Administration (FDA) will conduct a campaign in the State to check the quality of food items consumed during the festive season. FDA commissioner R Rajesh Kumar informed that the department has already undertaken preventive measures in the interests of the health and safety of citizens. Specifically, in the initial phase of the department’s action plan, instructions have been issued to collect 100 samples of buckwheat flour for testing as it is a prominent ingredient consumed by the general public during the festive period. Further, instructions have been issued to procure samples of other food items commonly consumed during fasting so that these can be tested, he added.
Kumar further informed it has been observed that the samples of buckwheat flour collected during the Sharadiya Navratri period in past years did not meet the required standards during testing. This had resulted in people in the Haridwar district and other areas being affected by consuming dishes made from contaminated buckwheat flour. In order to prevent the recurrence of such incidents and considering the health risks faced by individuals, the department has taken precautionary measures this year, he said.
Further, deputy commissioner of FDA GC Kandwal said while purchasing any food items for the fast, people must check the information provided on the packaging of food items such as the manufacturing/use by date and the name and address of the manufacturer. Additionally, it is advised to ensure that the buckwheat flour purchased is not very old, he added.
It is pertinent to mention here that food adulteration is a problem faced across the State especially during the festive season. The sale of adulterated and substandard food items increases considerably during festivals like Deepawali. The authorities conduct sample testing drives ahead of festive periods every year. However, observers point out that such drives do not always have the desired effect due to lack of consumer awareness and the fact that in many cases the results of the sample tests arrive after the end of the festivities.
