FSSAI Takes Action Against Unsafe Food Imports

Virajpet MLA A. S. Ponnanna has instructed Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) officials in Kodagu district, Karnataka, to ban the sale of hazardous food products imported from Kerala. The move follows public complaints and media reports about substandard food entering Kodagu’s Kutta, Makutta, and Perumbadi areas from across the state border. In response, officials collected 90 food samples from local stores, focusing on production dates, manufacturer details, and artificial colour content. Tests at the NABL-accredited IADFAC lab confirmed that 31 samples were unsafe and four were of inferior quality.

Unsafe and Adulterated Products Found

Kotak District Food Safety Officer Anil Dhawan reported that, out of 100 additional samples collected, 13 were unsalable, and 33 were found to be adulterated. Complaints began when consumers noticed products bought from shops in Veerajpet and Madikeri had production dates set five days after the purchase.

MLA Ponnanna Pushes for Swift Action

MLA Ponnanna, who also serves as the Chief Minister’s Legal Advisor, met FSSAI officials in Bengaluru to review the findings. He pledged to work with the Minister and relevant authorities to implement strict measures to protect public health. Pending further action, he directed FSSAI officials to ban these unsafe products in Kodagu and ensure their immediate removal from the market.

Border Check Posts Step-Up Inspections

FSSAI officials, led by Dr Anil Dhawan, conducted a detailed inspection at the Makutta check post in Virajpet on Friday. The inspection followed public concerns sparked by a viral social media video highlighting risks from food products entering Kodagu from Kerala. During an emergency meeting at Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru, the Food Safety and Quality Department revealed that some imported products contained high levels of artificial colouring and lacked essential details like production dates and manufacturer information.

MLA Urges Quick Action to Protect Public Health

Concerned about the public health impact, Ponnanna has urged ministers and officials to act quickly to safeguard Kodagu’s residents. He has called for tighter checks on imported food products, with a particular focus on production and expiry dates. Products deemed unsafe by lab tests will be barred from sale, and border checks will continue to ensure no hazardous items enter the district.

Source: The Hindu