Key Update

The Food Safety Department in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district seized 150 cases of “Basel Seed Drink” worth nearly ₹3.56 lakh during raids conducted on Thursday after receiving inputs that traders were falsely marketing the product as an imported American brand. Officials inspected multiple locations across the district and seized stocks from several Food Business Operators (FBOs), including M/S Aayet Trading Company at General Bus Stand, Anantnag; M/S Hamas on Bypass Road, Anantnag; and M/S Valley Traders & Distributors at Pushoo Market, Anantnag.

Products Sourced From Multiple States

As the investigation progressed, officials traced the supply chain to suppliers based in Haryana, Delhi, and Jammu. Authorities identified the firms as M/S Krusha Premium Industries Pvt Ltd, Sonipat; M/S G.S. Food Labs, New Delhi; and M/S Aamantn, Jammu.

Fake Claims and Label Violations Detected

During label inspections, officials detected several alleged discrepancies and violations. The product carried the label “American Brand Basel Seed Drink” and claimed to be a “Product of Thailand,” allegedly manufactured by “Golden and SUN EXPORT, Bangkok, Thailand.” However, authorities found that the manufacturers had omitted mandatory importer details and used a fake FSSAI licence number on the labels. Investigators also suspect that manufacturers may have produced the drink locally despite marketing it as an imported product.

Samples Sent for Testing

Following the seizure, officials took the stock into custody for legal and analytical proceedings under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. They also collected food samples for laboratory analysis to assess the product’s safety and quality standards.

Wider Investigation Underway

The department has now expanded the investigation to identify all individuals and entities allegedly linked to the manufacture and distribution of the product. Officials also urged consumers to remain cautious while purchasing food products with suspicious or misleading labels and reiterated their commitment to safeguarding public health.

Source: Kashmir Life