Latest news with #FoodSafetyandDrugAdministrationDepartment
Time of India
3 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Expired ice cream seized in Ludhiana- here's how to check purity at home
Recent reports highlight alarming adulteration practices in ice cream manufacturing across India. Raids uncovered unsanitary conditions, expired ingredients, and the use of harmful substances like detergent and phosphoric acid. When it comes to summer food choices, ice cream always hits the right spot. And with the rise in mercury, the demand for this summer treat always witnesses a sudden spike. This spike also gives rise to the scope of adulteration. A recent report by Tribune India states that a raid by the Health Department on an ice cream manufacturing unit situated in the industrial area, Hambran, Ludhiana, revealed alarming levels of uncleanliness and unhygienic food preparation practices. The report states that the working environment of the factory was found to be filthy, cluttered with waste and lacking basic sanitation, raising serious concerns regarding consumer health and safety. Houseflies and uncovered raw materials were found at the unit, and even some ice-cream flavours were found expired, which were destroyed by the team. It is also reported that the challan for unhygienic conditions was issued to the ice cream unit. As per the Health Department people should buy ice cream only from the trusted vendors and should check the authenticity with simple tests before eating. In the month of April a case of ice cream adulteration was reported in Karnataka. During a raid by the Food Safety and Drug Administration Department (FDA), 97 out of 220 shops were issued notices for failing to maintain proper storage conditions. And many were found using detergent powder in creams to create a creamy texture, and phosphoric acid is being used in cool drinks to enhance fizz. For the unversed, phosphoric acid often leads to weakening of bones. As per The New Indian Express report, a fine of Rs 38,000 was imposed on the market player for following ill practices. In several cases, manufacturers were using synthetic milk made from detergent, urea, or starch to cut costs. Instead of natural sugar, harmful additives like saccharin and non-permitted dyes were being used to enhance taste and colour. It was also found that many manufacturers were using contaminated or non-potable water in ice candies and cool drinks or were adding flavouring agents in quantities far exceeding the permissible limits. Side effects of consuming detergent powder It is said that detergent powder is not fit for human consumption. Its consumption can lead to digestive issues including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. The string alkaline and acidic ingredients in detergent can cause burns in the throat, esophagus, and stomach. What is Phosphoric Acid and its side effects It is a colorless, odorless, and acidic chemical commonly used in food, industrial, and cleaning products. It is found in soft drinks (especially colas), fertilizers, detergents, and rust removers. Its excessive consumption may increase the risk of kidney stones and kidney disease, especially in people with pre-existing kidney conditions. And it can also lead to osteoporosis and tooth decay. How to check ice cream adulteration If the ice cream melts too quickly or has a gritty, icy texture, it might be adulterated. Also, as per Tribune's post, if you squeeze lemon juice on ice cream and it foams, it might contain detergent, indicating adulteration. Thumb and Embed Images Courtesy: istock Can't eat your food without snapping a picture first?Join our Food Photography Contest and stand a chance to win exciting prizes!Click HERE for our WhatsApp Food Community to discover delicious recipes, enjoy fascinating food stories, and stay updated with the latest food news! Click here One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Time of India
15-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
UP CM Adityanath directs officials to address growing concerns over food safety, adulteration
Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath held a crucial meeting on Wednesday with officials from the Food Safety and Drug Administration Department in Lucknow. The meeting addressed growing concerns over food safety and adulteration in the state. CM Yogi emphasised that the health of the ordinary people is the top priority of the state government, and this responsibility should be fulfilled with complete transparency and commitment. During the meeting, CM Yogi directed officials to take strict action against food adulteration and fake medicine trade , terming these acts as "social crimes" that significantly threaten public health . He instructed that offenders' photos be displayed at major intersections to deter others and raise awareness. The Chief Minister reviewed the progress of the Food Safety and Drug Administration Department, noting the expansion of food and drug laboratories across the state. Twelve divisions, including Aligarh, Ayodhya, and Varanasi, have established new laboratories, and existing ones in Lucknow, Gorakhpur, and Jhansi have been upgraded. Modern microbiology laboratories have also been established in Lucknow, Meerut, and Varanasi. CM Yogi emphasised the importance of transparency and accountability in the food safety process. The FSDA has implemented a password-protected barcode system to ensure the confidentiality and impartiality of sample analysis. A mobile app, "Food Safety Connect," and a toll-free number have been introduced to encourage public participation. The meeting also discussed investment and job creation in the medical device and pharmaceutical manufacturing sectors. Proposals worth Rs 1,470 crore were approved in the last three years, resulting in direct employment for over 3,340 people.
India Gazette
14-05-2025
- Health
- India Gazette
UP CM Adityanath directs officials to address growing concerns over food safety, adulteration
Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) [India], May 14 (ANI): Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath held a crucial meeting on Wednesday with officials from the Food Safety and Drug Administration Department in Lucknow. The meeting addressed growing concerns over food safety and adulteration in the state. CM Yogi emphasised that the health of the ordinary people is the top priority of the state government, and this responsibility should be fulfilled with complete transparency and commitment. During the meeting, CM Yogi directed officials to take strict action against food adulteration and fake medicine trade, terming these acts as 'social crimes' that significantly threaten public health. He instructed that offenders' photos be displayed at major intersections to deter others and raise awareness. The Chief Minister reviewed the progress of the Food Safety and Drug Administration Department, noting the expansion of food and drug laboratories across the state. Twelve divisions, including Aligarh, Ayodhya, and Varanasi, have established new laboratories, and existing ones in Lucknow, Gorakhpur, and Jhansi have been upgraded. Modern microbiology laboratories have also been established in Lucknow, Meerut, and Varanasi. CM Yogi emphasised the importance of transparency and accountability in the food safety process. The FSDA has implemented a password-protected barcode system to ensure the confidentiality and impartiality of sample analysis. A mobile app, 'Food Safety Connect,' and a toll-free number have been introduced to encourage public participation. The meeting also discussed investment and job creation in the medical device and pharmaceutical manufacturing sectors. Proposals worth Rs 1,470 crore were approved in the last three years, resulting in direct employment for over 3,340 people (ANI).
The Hindu
24-04-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
12,000 kg of banned tobacco products seized in four months in Erode district
The Food Safety and Drug Administration Department has, in the current year, seized 12,000 kg of banned tobacco products from 879 shops and imposed fines totaling ₹2.15 crore on the shopkeepers. According to a release, the Erode District Food Safety Department has undertaken several proactive measures to ensure the public has access to safe food. These initiatives include awareness campaigns, food safety inspections, and quality checks. As a result, the district has emerged as a leading example in food safety enforcement. The release stated that all food establishments, from small-scale eateries to large-scale operations, are required to obtain a licence from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). Over the last four months, the department has seen a 31% increase in basic registrations and a 19% increase in State-level licences. Repurpose Used Cooking Oil (RUCO), a project introduced by FSSAI, aims to convert used cooking oil (UCO) into biodiesel. This year, 94 metric tons of used oil have been collected, of which 64 metric tons have been successfully converted into biodiesel. The production, storage, distribution, and sale of banned tobacco products and nicotine-laced items such as gutka and pan masala are completely prohibited in the State. In Erode district, a total of 879 shops were sealed for selling such banned items. Awareness campaigns have also been carried out to discourage the use of polythene wrappers in restaurants, bakeries, grocery stores, and retail outlets. Fines are being imposed on establishments found using plastic covers. Consuming unhygienically produced food can lead to contamination by harmful bacteria, posing serious health risks, including fatal illnesses. To address this, food safety officers have been actively inspecting food establishments and penalising those found in violation of hygiene standards. The public is encouraged to report any food safety concerns via WhatsApp, email, or mobile app. Complaints should include specific details such as the location, type of quality issue, and relevant bills or receipts. Complaints can be submitted by phone at 94440 42322, via email at unavupukar@ or through the TN Food Safety Consumer App. Issues such as labelling errors on food packages or poor-quality bottled water can also be reported, the release added.
