Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:
(a) whether the Government is aware that dangerous chemicals and artificial colours are used to make vegetables and fruits fresh and colourful;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the corrective measures taken in this regard?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND
FAMILY WELFARE
(SHRI ASHWINI KUMAR CHOUBEY)
(a) & (b): Reports regarding use of artificial colours etc. to make fruits and vegetables fresh and colourful appearing in the media have come to the notice of the FSSAI. Sub-regulation 2.3.6 of Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restriction on Sales) Regulations, 2011 of Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) requires fresh fruits and vegetables to be free from rotting and free from coating of waxes, mineral oil and colours. All Food Business Operators are required to comply with these regulations failing which penal action is attracted under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
(c): The implementation and enforcement of Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 (FSS Act) and Rules and Regulations made thereunder primarily rests with the State/UT Governments. The Food Safety Commissioners of all State/UT Governments have been advised to undertake regular surveillance, monitoring, inspection and random sampling of food products in order to ensure compliance of these standards. In cases where the food samples are found to be non-conforming, recourse is taken to penal provisions under FSS Act, 2006.
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