Uttarakhand : 40 percent of the material sold in Haldwani is adulterated

Adulteration in food items sold in Nainital district is increasing. Not only milk, ghee, oil, spices, namkeen, butter-cheese, sweets, food items of children are being adulterated. In Nainital district, adulteration has been found in 30 percent of the food items in nine months.

The Food Safety Department had filled 195 samples in Nainital district from January 2022 to September 20, out of which the report of only 173 samples has been received so far. Out of this, 50 samples have not passed the test. All these were injurious to health. Under the Food Safety Act, there is a provision of imprisonment up to 10 years and fine up to Rs 5 lakh for adulterants.

How much mix
52 samples were taken of milk and milk products, 25 of oil, ghee, 35 of sweets, namkeen and breakery products, 15 of spices, 37 of cereals, pulses and 31 of other products. Most of the adulteration is found in milk and milk products, oils and spices. Apart from this, adulteration has also been found in sweets and dry fruits. The products of big brands have been found to be substandard.

Color in spices, water in milk
Adulterants are not deterring from playing with our health. In the spices they are adding color with dry dandelions. Red color is being mixed in red chili, yellow in turmeric and green color in coriander. Less fat in milk and more water, then vegetable is being mixed in desi ghee. Colors and pebbles are also being added to pulses and pulses. Adulterated mawa is being put in milk sweets.
Samples taken from January 2022 to September
Number of samples – 195
No. of Inquiry Report Received 173
substandard 43
spoof 05
unsafe 02

The department is continuously taking action against the adulterers. Samples are being taken continuously. In nine months, cases have been filed against 53 companies and individuals. Many have also been fined.