When food fails the test

It is really a matter of grave concern that various food items including meat, fish, milk and even the packed eatables have been failing the tests conducted to check their purity and quality by the concerned officials of the government. This also raises a big question mark on the effectiveness of the aforesaid drives as every time some new cases of adulteration surface.

In this context, the action taken by the Food Safety Department in Anantnag, where five brands of ghee were declared unsafe after laboratory analysis, is yet another reminder that food adulteration continues to pose a significant threat to people despite frequent checks and inspections. The repeated cases of food products failing the quality tests indicate that the issue has become widespread and the responsibility on the shoulders of the government has become vast and vital to check this menace as it involves the public health concerns. 

It is good that in case of substandard ghee of different companies, the Designated Officer, Food Safety, Anantnag has prohibited the sale of these food products within the territorial jurisdiction of District Anantnag with immediate effect and until further orders. The need of the hour is that the government should ensure that food business operators strictly adhere to safety standards because it is responsible for providing food to people which is safe, wholesome and free from adulteration.

All said and done, it is imperative for the authorities to adopt a zero-tolerance approach towards those who compromise public health for profit. Though the government has the responsibility of ensuring the purity of food available in markets, consumers must also exercise caution while purchasing food products. As far as Food Business Operators are concerned, they owe a responsibility to strictly comply with the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

The frequent cases of food adulteration and sub-standard products hitting the shelves of shops call for even stronger mechanisms from the government side to check the menace and ensure healthy and wholesome products for the consumers. 

It is necessary that those found playing with the health of people for financial gains must face exemplary action.

Ensuring safe and quality food is not only a regulatory responsibility but also a commitment towards protecting public health. Only through collective efforts of government, businesses and the aware public can food adulteration be effectively controlled. Therefore, all stakeholders should work together to end this menace once and for all.