The drive was conducted so that people in Mumbai don’t fall sick having adulterated foods that are sold at a cheaper rate during this time
Ingredients used in making sweets like khoya, mawa, besan, and maida were also seized. Pic for representation
The Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) has seized edibles worth more than R1.5 lakh in 13 days between October 10 and 23 across Mumbai, to check their quality before diwali.
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The drive took place in two phases — October 10-16 and October 17-23. During the first phase, seven samples of edible oils worth Rs 29,000 were seized.
Following this, eight samples of milk and 45 samples of ingredients used in making sweets like khawa, mawa, besan, and maida were seized. They also seized 44 kg cow ghee worth Rs 18,000. The drive was conducted to ensure food quality, so that people don’t fall sick having adulterated foods that are sold at a cheaper rate during the festival. The raids were on shops as well as stalls.
In the second phase, 10 samples of 654 lt edible oils worth Rs 65,000 and 55 samples of sweet making ingredients worth Rs 43,000 have been seized.
Raids on shops, stalls
“If we have doubts such as a shop may be violating FDA norms like unhealthy food making process, dirty premises etc, we raid it. We have sent the samples to laboratories for analysis and are waiting for the report. If we find that the samples are adulterated, then we burn them, or else send them back to the vendors,” said an official.
FDA officials have also requested Mumbaikars to always take bills of food after buying it. “If the food is adulterated and we get a complaint, through the bill, we can track the vendor and it also works as proof to punish the seller. So it is essential for everyone to take the bill,” said the official.
“In case of a complaint, people can call our helpline number 1800 222 365,” he added.
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