Bengaluru: The Food Safety and Standards Department has detected adulteration in food products in many places, including the state capital, and is banning them. In addition, it has raided hotels and restaurants. Officials are carrying out a crackdown in many parts of the state.
After recently taking action against the sale of poor quality Asafoetida (Asafoetida), the Food Safety and Standards Department (FDA) is now keeping a close eye on spices and spice powders. The department has come to this decision in the wake of allegations that hazardous chemicals and artificial colors are being used in various brands of spice products available in the market.
There is a suspicion that hazardous chemicals like ethylene oxide (ETO) are being used in spices, and the state Food Safety and Standards Department has requested the central FSSAI to formulate clear and strict standards for their use. Following the state’s appeals and complaints, the Central Food Development Board and FSSAI have also been on high alert in this regard.
The sale and production of indigo products, mainly from Everest and LG companies, was banned due to low alcohol soluble percentage and poor quality. This incident created a big stir in the food sector. Now, the authorities are ready to separately collect samples of major spice products including sambar powder, garam masala, chicken masala, turmeric and chili powder available in the state market.
The collected samples will be sent to official NABL accredited laboratories and tested for artificial colors, pesticide residues and chemical content. If it is proven during the test that chemicals or artificial colors are used more than the approved limit, the department has decided to take strict legal action against the concerned manufacturing companies, including criminal prosecution and ban on sale.