Prayagraj: As festive demand pushes up the sale of sweets, khoya, ghee, milk and other food products, consumers in Prayagraj are being advised to look beyond appearance and taste while making purchases. Food safety officials say adulteration may not always be visible to the naked eye and while some suspected contamination can be identified through simple preliminary checks, confirmation in several cases requires laboratory examination.
Its first and second parts provide age-appropriate guidance for children from classes 1 to 8 on safe food, nutritious eating and healthy habits. Where to report: Consumers can report suspected food adulteration through the toll-free number 18001805533. The chief food safety officer, Prayagraj, can also be contacted at 9454468711.
Officials have advised consumers to provide details of the product, seller and available evidence so that the complaint can be investigated.
Samples suspected of adulteration are sent to the department’s laboratory and action is taken according to the findings of the test report. However, officials said complaints can be considered even without a bill. Sneha Roy, a research scholar in Food Technology at Allahabad University, said the Yellow Book is aimed at schoolchildren.
Food Safety and Drug Administration has been conducting inspections and collecting samples from markets and food establishments on the basis of its own surveillance as well as consumer complaints. Some preliminary checks can be carried out using simple methods, though laboratory examination remains necessary for confirmation. To check sweets for adulteration, heat them in water, filter the mixture and add hydrochloric acid; a purple colour indicates possible adulteration. Sugar dissolved in water may leave powder settling at the bottom if adulterated. A photograph of the spurious product is important when filing a complaint, while a purchase bill can provide additional evidence. In cases involving expired food, consumers should preserve the original packet or container, suggests the official.