Ahead of Deepavali, Food Safety Department officials have been conducting raids at sweet-making units and stalls across Tamilnadu and seizing huge quantities of sweets made using artificial colouring agents and re-used oil. Notices have also been given to many shops and further action is expected to be taken soon. It is shocking that traders and sweet stall owners are playing with the health of their own customers. Food business, like education, is a noble profession, and any malpractice in it should be viewed with all seriousness.
India is known for its ‘Aditi Devo Bhava’ tradition and adulteration of food is an unpardonable crime. Existing laws in this regard should be made vigorous to instil fear in the minds of those who make poison in the name of food. Thankfully, the Food Safety Department has issued an order directing Food and Civil Supplies Officers to carry out the drive against adulterated food items in their respective jurisdictions ahead of the festival of lights when sweets and other dishes are bought by people in bulk.
“All designated officers are directed to issue an order to FSOs concerned to carry out a special drive in the jurisdictional area of their districts for lifting of samples of sweets,” says the order. According to officials, the department teams will randomly lift samples at sweet shops and send them for examination. Officials should ensure that those who are proven guilty during the tests get the highest punishment as per law and the action is widely publicised.