Stringent measures against food adulteration underway, with mustard oil under scrutiny
The Food Safety Department in Jamshedpur has launched an aggressive campaign against food adulteration ahead of the Holi festival.
JAMSHEDPUR – In a move to ensure food safety during the Holi celebrations, the Food Safety Department has initiated a comprehensive campaign to identify and penalize the distribution of adulterated food products.
Under the guidance of Food Safety Officer Manzar Hussain, a specialized operation targeted Parsudih Mandi, where samples from six different locations were collected, focusing on mustard oil and related refineries.
The operation led to the seizure of several branded items, including both sachets and bottled oils, which are now under examination at a Ranchi-based laboratory to determine their quality.
Among the businesses investigated were Shri Krishna Agency, BP Oil Mills, and Mahesh Edible Oil Agency, known for their presence in the local market.
Officer Hussain has warned that any establishments found to be selling adulterated or sub-standard products will face severe penalties under the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006.
This year, a total of 123 samples have been collected, with 40 already analyzed by the state laboratory. Shockingly, 15 of these were deemed substandard or not in compliance, leading to legal actions against five establishments.
Earlier efforts to curb food adulteration saw raids on sweet shops, uncovering adulterated sweets including Rasmalai, Khova Barfi, and more, with several shops failing to display mandatory use-by dates.
New Gouranga Sweets, New Gangour Sweets, Shri Bhog, Mishti Bhog, and Prabhuji Pure Food are among the establishments facing likely action for allegedly selling items with impurity, highlighting the department’s resolve to enforce food safety standards.
Food department sources said that the campaign underscores the department’s commitment to protecting public health by ensuring that food items, especially during festivals like Holi, meet safety and quality standards.
