Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (MS)

Udupi, Aug 27: Deputy commissioner (DC) G Jagadeesha warned that a criminal case will be filed against food manufacturers if it is found that they are using excessive amounts of tasting powder in any kind of food manufacture.

Jagadeesha was speaking at the district level advisory meeting with regards to food safety that was held at the auditorium of DC office on Thursday August 27.

The DC further said, “We have received complaints from the public about the use of excessive amounts of tasting powder in the preparation of food items like Gobi Manchurian and Chinese foods. This will cause adverse effects on the health of the consumers. Food safety officers should raid food preparation outlets and send the sample of food to the laboratory. If violation of any kind is detected, a criminal case should be filed against the offenders. Action should also be taken against people who sell tasting powder without permission.

“Periodical checking needs to be done of Bakery products. Manufacturing and expiry dates should be mentioned on the packages containing food items. A specific number of samples of food products needs to be sent to the laboratory every month.

“Inspection needs to be carried out on the use of chemicals in fruits. If chemicals are used to ripen the banana fruit such shops or vendors should be taken to task. Wholesalers dealing in bananas should be monitored,” he said.

Panchayat deputy secretary Kiran Phadnekar, ASP Kumar Chandra, district health and family welfare officer Dr Nagabhushan Udupa and district surgeon Dr Madhusudhan Nayak were present.