Mumbai: Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will now be keeping a close watch on adulteration and misleading advertisements by manufacturers of masalas, spices and condiments sold in the market. On Thursday, a compliance order was issued that covers manufacturers, traders, retailers and e-commerce operators involved in the trade of a variety of spices.
The penalty is up to 7 years of imprisonment plus a Rs 10 lakh fine. ” He added that in cases of contamination, FDA would be tracing the original source of adulteration, examining the entire supply chain and taking effective legal action against the guilty. You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Mumbai | Silver Rate in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai | Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Petrol Price in Mumbai | Diesel Price in Mumbai | CNG Price in Mumbai | LPG Price in Mumbai Stay updated with the latest Mumbai news.
FDA officials said the order reiterates the prohibition of colours and substances harmful to health, such as metanil yellow, rhodamine B, Sudan dyes and lead chromate. “The use of ethylene oxide for sterilisation of spices is strictly prohibited due to its potential carcinogenic effects,” FDA said. FDA commissioner Tukaram Mundhe said producers and advertisers cannot make claims such as ‘natural’, ‘organic’ and ‘healthy’ unless they are scientifically valid.
These include turmeric, chilli, coriander, cumin, black pepper, cinnamon, clove, cardamom, asafoetida, saffron, poppy seeds, mixed spices, garam masala, curry powder and other spices and products made from spices. It also applies to hotels, eateries and kitchens that clean, dry, grind, blend, pack, repack, store, transport and sell spices. The order also states that spices cannot be dried in unhygienic conditions, such as on public roads, tarred surfaces, drains, near garbage bins or close to cattle sheds. “Production and storage premises must be clean, dry, pest-free, and protected from contamination. Storing chemicals, pesticides, industrial colours, or other harmful substances along with spices is prohibited,” the order stated. FDA officials will be taking action against mixing brick powder, chalk, sawdust, foreign starch or other unauthorised substances to increase the weight or quantity of spices. “Cases of such claims without scientific validity will be considered unsafe products. The sale of loose spices is prohibited. Investigations will extend to production levels as well as sales. Download the TOI App.