Report

As summer approaches, locally-made soft drinks flood the market. In response, the food safety department in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, has announced plans to conduct regular inspections. These inspections will focus on monitoring the sale of unapproved soft drinks, pathaneer (palm neera), and fruit beverages. The department seeks to ensure consumer safety and raise awareness about the risks of consuming contaminated or unapproved food products.

Concerns Over Locally Produced Soft Drinks

K. Tamilselvan, the district’s food safety officer, raised concerns about the quality of locally produced soft drinks. He emphasized, “Without proper testing and oversight, contamination, adulteration, and other safety issues can occur. We oversee soft drink production to ensure compliance with safety and quality standards. When local producers bypass these processes, they endanger consumer safety.” Additionally, Tamilselvan highlighted that the sale of unauthorized soft drinks will likely increase during the summer. As a result, the department will conduct surprise inspections to tackle this growing issue.

Widespread Availability of Low-Cost Soft Drinks

In addition, Tamilselvan revealed that locally-made soft drinks are being sold in small shops, with prices starting as low as Rs 5. “Last year, we shut down an illegal production facility in the city, and we’re actively working to locate more such operations,” he said. To protect consumers, he urged the public to remain vigilant and prioritize their health and safety when choosing beverages. Tamilselvan recommended that consumers select brands endorsed by the food safety department, ensuring the drinks meet necessary quality and safety standards.

Inspections of Other Popular Summer Products

Beyond soft drinks, the food safety department is also expanding its focus to other popular summer items such as watermelon, fruit juices, and palm water. Tamilselvan explained, “We’ve received reports that some vendors artificially enhance watermelons with colours and sweeteners. Additionally, palm water, another widely consumed summer drink, is sometimes adulterated with artificial flavours, preservatives, and sweeteners. Although we tested palm water samples from three locations last year and found no issues, we plan to conduct similar tests this year to ensure the public’s safety.”

Inspection Plans for Fruits, Juices, and Ice Manufacturing Units

Moreover, the food safety department is broadening its inspection efforts to include fruit shops, fruit juice vendors, and ice manufacturing units. Tamilselvan confirmed that the department has already started monitoring manufacturing units, and full-scale inspections will begin soon to ensure product safety. These measures are crucial to preventing the sale of unsafe products and protecting the health of consumers during the summer season.

Source: The New Indian Express