Key Development

Food Safety Officers in Virudhunagar, Tamil Nadu, seized 55,050 kg of sesame seeds on Saturday after discovering that the transport trucks and supplier lacked the required food safety certification. They discovered during a routine inspection of trucks parked at Villipathiri.

Unlicensed Transport and Supplier Lead to Seizure

A team led by Virudhunagar Designated Officer, S. Mariappan, inspected the trucks and found 734 bags of sesame seeds intended for a popular edible oil factory in the district. The trucks and the operator lacked a valid food safety license, and the supplier also failed to meet food safety regulations. The seized seeds were being transported to a well-known edible oil factory in Virudhunagar. The factory intended to use the sesame seeds in its production, but the lack of proper certification raised serious concerns over food safety and compliance.

Goods Worth ₹59.89 Lakh Confiscated by Authorities

Authorities have confiscated the entire consignment, valued at ₹59.89 lakh, along with the two trucks involved in the illegal transportation. The seizure underscores the importance of ensuring that all food-related goods comply with food safety regulations. Food safety officials have filed a case against both the transport operator and the oil factory for purchasing sesame seeds from an unlicensed supplier. They have sent a sample for analysis to confirm their quality and safety.

Source: The Hindu