Mangaluru: District Collector Dr. K G Jagadeesha has instructed continuous inspection of food manufacturing units to effectively implement the Food Safety and Standards Act.
He explained in detail on the measures to be taken, while presiding a meeting of the District Level Steering Committee on the implementation of Food Safety Act, at Deputy Commissioner’s office on May 3.
“There are 16 bottled water manufacturing units in Dakshina Kannada district. It is imperative for them to possess an ISI certification.The local city or village panchayats cannot grant manufacturing licenses without the ISI certification. Licenses of manufacturing units without ISI certification should be withdrawn immediately”, Deputy Commissioner said and added, “Circular will be issued to all urban local bodies and gram panchayats in the district for effective implementation.”
He also suggested the closure of all unhygienic drinking water packaging units with immediate effect.
Deputy Commissioner expressed dissatisfaction with the routine inspection methods adopted by food safety officials operating within the district and asked them to collect samples within a month and submit a detailed report. He instructed quality control officials present at the meeting to act accordingly before granting approval to units.
Dishes supplied on footpaths and fast food hotels are found to contain excess chemicals, he noted and instructed officials to keep track on these. He requested the public to abstain from such foods and mooted the idea of awareness programmes to educate public on chemical content and the resulting effects on human health.
Spraying chemicals on fruits has reached dangerous proportions, he said and suggested a check on fruit stores, wholesale traders to find the presence of chemicals in their products. He said action should be initiated against businessmen involved in violations and a close watch should be kept on trucks transporting fruits and other perishable items. He directed the Taluk Food Safety Officers to check the trucks on the outskirts and seize them in case of violations.
“Excessive colour components are found in sweets sold in bakeries. Attractive dark colour is diced in sweets to attract customers, which is harmful to health. In this regard, food safety officials should regularly check desserts in bakeries.” DC Jagadeesha suggested food inspectors to register a case against such bakeries using colouring, taste enhancing substances beyond permissible limits.
The DC sought help from police in registering cases against businesses that violate the Act and ignore it.
Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Dr. M R Ravi said, “Water quality cannot be compromised as most diseases spread due to water contamination”, and said, “The public should complain to the Food Safety Authority, if the food stalls/counters are found mixing chemicals to increase colour and enhance taste in food items.”
Senior Food Safety Officer H T Raju said taluk health officials would monitor the situation in their respective taluks whereas senior food safety officers will be monitoring the implementation of the Food Safety Act within Mangalore City Corporation and Puttur CMC limits. He dealt briefly on the essence of obtaining licenses under the Food Security and Standards Act.
Additional Deputy Commissioner Kumar, District Health Officer Dr. Ramakrishna Rao and District Survey Officer Dr. Rajesh were present.
