Food Safety: Straw found in biscuits, detergent and urea in milk—how can consumers protect their health?

Food Safety: Detergent and urea in milk and dairy products, animal fat in ghee, red soil in red chili powder, sawdust in coriander powder, grass seeds in cumin—and now, animal feed (bran/fodder) in biscuits! All these instances were uncovered during raids by the food regulator and have been duly proven; yet, the practice of food adulteration continues unabated in India. Why is this happening? How can this illicit trade of adulteration be brought to an end? This is the topic discussed today on 'Consumer Adda'.

Let’s first look at the latest revelations from FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) raids. Acting on consumer complaints, the FSSAI conducted an investigation and discovered that 'Priya Gold' biscuits were using animal feed (bran) as a source of 'fiber'. The sacks of bran found during the inspection were clearly labeled as being intended solely for cattle consumption. Furthermore, significant violations regarding hygiene and waste management protocols were observed at the food processing plant. Consequently, the FSSAI has suspended the company's license.

In another case, detergent and caustic soda were found in milk. Samples of 'full cream' milk from Dodla Dairy failed standard quality tests. Subsequent testing at a referral laboratory confirmed the presence of detergent. Additionally, the fat content in this milk was below the prescribed limit, and it was declared unsafe and harmful for human consumption.

A third case involves the presence of toxic pesticides in yellow raisins. Samples of yellow raisins from 'UEIR Organic Foods' were found to contain pesticide levels exceeding the permissible limits. Consumers have been purchasing these products under the impression that they are 'organic' and healthy; however, the chemical residues present in them are actually detrimental to health. By now, you are likely aware that the FSSAI is India's food regulatory authority. Methods of Adulteration

Detergent, urea, and starch are added to milk and dairy products. Ghee and butter are adulterated with vegetable oil, animal fat, and starch. Turmeric powder is often mixed with lead chromate and metanil yellow. Red chili powder is adulterated with brick dust and red soil. Coriander powder may contain sawdust, cow dung, or husk. Papaya seeds are added to black pepper, while cumin seeds are often mixed with grass seeds or bits of broom straw. Asafoetida (hing) is adulterated with starch, gum, and resin. Mustard oil is frequently mixed with argemone oil or cheaper palm oil. Honey is adulterated with sugar syrup, rice syrup, or jaggery solution. Sugar and jaggery are sometimes mixed with chalk powder or washing soda. Green vegetables are often treated with malachite green, while calcium carbide or ethylene gas is used to artificially ripen fruits.

Penalties for Adulteration

Failure to meet safety standards can lead to the cancellation or suspension of a license. Sub-standard food products can attract a fine of up to ₹5 lakh. Misbranding or misleading advertisements can result in a fine ranging from ₹3 lakh to ₹10 lakh. Selling unsafe food can lead to imprisonment for up to 6 months and a fine of up to ₹1 lakh. If food causes injury or illness, it can result in 1 year of imprisonment and a fine of ₹3 lakh. If food causes a serious illness, the penalty can be 6 years of imprisonment and a fine of ₹5 lakh. In cases where food causes death, the penalty can be life imprisonment and a fine of ₹10 lakh.

How to File a Complaint

Complaints regarding adulteration can be filed through the FSSAI’s 'Food Safety Connect' app or by calling the FSSAI’s toll-free helpline number. Keep these points in mind while shopping:

The packaging should display an FSSAI license number. It should also bear the Agmark/FSSAI logo. There should be no unpleasant or unusual smell or taste. Purchase only reliable, sealed packets.

Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from Money Control. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.