22 May,2011 08:08 AM IST | | Sayed Roshan
Officials of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and officers of the Mumbai police carried out a joint operation in which Gutka packets worth over Rs 13 lakh were seized. The sachets are believed to contain the chemical magnesium carbonate, an illegal substance under the Prevention of Food Adulteration (PFA) Act, 1954. The raids were conducted over the last three days. Acting on a tip-off, the police stopped vehicles suspected of ferrying the sachets, violating Rule No. 62 of the PFA which lays down a "Restriction on the use of anti-caking agents."
Magnesium carbonate itself is not toxic but excessive use may cause central nervous system depression and cardiac disturbances. It is hazardous in case of skin and eye contact and may cause respiratory and digestive tract irritation in case of ingestion, say reports.
The FDA officials teamed up with the Dindoshi police, Pant Nagar police and the Kashmira police to seize the packets while they were being transported to godowns in Malad (West), Thane district and Ghatkopar (East). The police stations have registered an FIR under IPC sections 272 (adulteration of food or drink intended for sale) and 273 (sale of noxious food or drink).
The FDA booked the Gutka brand owners under PFA section 7 (i) and (v) which makes it mandatory for ingredients to be mentioned on the cover of the packaging. Samples of the sachets were taken by FDA officials to be tested. If any trace of magnesium carbonate is found, the seized stock will be destroyed. "We have raided the premises and investigation are on," said an FDA official.
