On Wednesday, the Delhi High Court Highlighted the importance of increasing the testing of food products in the national capital to determine their quality.
The court stated that the food cycle has been compromised and encouraged the apex body, FSSAI, to implement measures to ensure adequate testing is conducted.
A panel led by Acting Chief Justice Manmohan expressed concerns about the quality of milk and milk products. They requested an assertion from the Delhi government detailing the level of testing, the number of food inspection teams, and the budget of the relevant department.
The testing conducted by the FSSAI needs to be increased, as it is currently minimal. We are unaware of the quality of the products we consume. Our food system has become highly corrupted, and no actions are being taken to address this issue. It seems like you are disconnected from reality and unaware of the problems we face. Every food product we pick up seems to have some issue, particularly excessive pesticide content, stated the bench, which also included Justice Manmeet P S Arora.
The court emphasized the importance of exercising your supervisory powers and ensuring that sufficient testing is conducted, as you are the highest authority in this matter.
According to the representative of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), the responsibility for conducting food testing lies with the state food safety commissioners.
The court highlighted the importance of conducting random testing following the city’s population, stating that the prescribed norm of 25 samples per food safety officer (FSO) per month should be followed.
Justice Manmohan brings the need to examine the population of Delhi and the extent of daily food consumption. Additionally, he questioned the number of FSOs present in Delhi and stressed the importance of increasing sampling efforts.
The court has ordered the commissioner of food supplies to submit a personal assertion detailing the extent of testing, the number of food inspection teams, and the department’s budget. The official has been instructed to attend the next court session on August 7.
The amicus curiae expressed concerns about the use of calcium carbide to artificially ripen mangoes, noting that there is no evidence to indicate whether the authorities have obtained the necessary test kits to detect chemical usage.
Date : 18 May 2023 Time : 10 AM to 05 PM Faculty : Asmita Thaokar (FSSAI National Level Resource Person)
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