FDA turns heat on vendors selling sub-standard ice creams, cold drinks

With rising temperatures, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Pune division, has stepped up the drive against sub-standard cold drinks, ice creams and ice candies. The summer drive will be carried out all over the city and all street vendors, stalls and big shops selling food that is more in demand during the summer months are under the scanner of the FDA.

Cool Comfort: Roadside stalls selling kulfis and juices are on the rise as the temperatures soar in the city. Pic/Krunal Gosavi.

Since Tuesday, FDA has taken 12 samples from shops and stalls suspected of selling sub-standard eatables and sent them for testing. The FDA will take necessary action if the quality of food items fall below the standard set by them.

"The demand for sharbats, ice creams, ice candies and various juices are high in summer. However, sub-standard items pose as a health hazard. We have started the drive since Tuesday," said Shivaji Desai, assistant commissioner, FDA (Food).

There are various stalls in the city that sell a glass of juice and shake for just Rs 5 or Rs 10. Also considering the water shortage at many areas, the quality of the water used is a major health concern. "Considering the prices and the ingredients needed to make the food items, we took samples and have sent it for tests. If it is found non-permissible or non-consumable, we will fine the vendors and take necessary actions," he added.

"Various food colours are non-permissible and are injurious to health. Also, the ice used is sometimes made of non-potable water which adds to the sickness factor," said Dilip Sangat, Assistant Commissioner, FDA (Food).