This refers to well-informative diary “Food adulteration” (February 25). Quality food is important if we as a nation want to become healthy. There are many who are clueless about food safety standards, which makes it further difficult for regulators to enforce safety laws. The Food Adulteration Act, 1955 stipulates that details of any chemical substances used be mentioned on the label. Even though the labels on several products mention the ingredients most people do not bother to read it. Consumers get cheated due to the use of non-food graded items on fruits and vegetables. Many of the items can lead to food poisoning. According to the 1955 Act, the chemicals used in food items need to be labelled. Such hazardous practices continue because unscrupulous traders grease the palms of food inspectors. Better handling and storage methods should be used to avoid the use of preservatives. We need strict enactment of laws to catch the offenders and punish them.
Vinod Dixit
(The views expressed by the author in the article are his/her own.)
