Nawada: Complaints about alleged food adulteration are increasing in Nawada, with concerns extending from mustard oil and flour to lentils, spices, paneer, khoya and sweets. Residents have urged authorities to increase inspections as demand for food products rises during the festive season.
The concerns have been reported in both urban and rural markets, including grocery shops, general stores and food-processing units. Residents say some consumers are attracted by lower prices, which can make cheaper and potentially substandard products more appealing.
Concerns Over Mustard Oil And Spices
Mustard oil has emerged as one of the main areas of concern. Residents have alleged that cheaper palm oil and artificial colouring are sometimes mixed with premium mustard oil before it is sold.
There are also complaints about the alleged adulteration of turmeric with yellow dye, coriander powder with sawdust and chilli powder with brick dust. However, these allegations would require laboratory testing and official sampling to establish whether products are adulterated.
Concerns have also been raised over the quality of paneer and khoya. Residents say some traders attract customers with lower prices, increasing concerns about the quality and safety of such products.
Calls For Regular Market Inspections
Residents and social organisations have called for regular sampling of food products and stricter checks on shops. They have also raised concerns over the sale of unbranded products without bills, which can make it harder to trace their source and monitor compliance.
They have urged the District Magistrate to initiate inspection drives and take action against establishments where laboratory tests establish that food products are adulterated or substandard.
Food Safety Officer Assures Action
In-charge Food Safety Officer Dr Parmendra Kumar acknowledged that the risk of food adulteration can increase during the festive season as traders seek higher profits. He appealed to traders to avoid adulteration.
Kumar is currently serving as a Food Safety Officer in Nalanda and has held additional charge of Nawada since September 1. He said managing responsibilities in two districts creates operational difficulties.
He said raids would be conducted against establishments suspected of food adulteration, while samples would be collected and sent to laboratories for testing.
If laboratory tests establish that samples are adulterated or substandard, action will be taken against the concerned individuals, Kumar said.
