(a) whether the incidents of adulteration/contamination of milk, tea, fruits, vegetables, coffee ,medicines etc. have come to the notice of the Government;
(b) if so, whether such incidents are continuously increasing;
(c) if so, the reactions of the Government in this regard;
(d) whether the Union Government has enacted any law to initiate action against persons selling adulterated food items; and
(e) if so, the details thereof?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE( SMT. PANABAKA LAKSHMI)
(a) to (e) No specific incidents of adulteration/contamination in milk, tea, fruits, vegetables and coffee etc. have come to notice of the Government. However, routine cases of food adulteration are reported by the Food (Health) Authorities of the States/UTs from time to time through their Annual Reports and such incidents are approximately the same as per the latest data made available by different States/UTs so far.
The Central Government has enacted the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954 and Rules 1955 framed thereunder to prevent adulteration in food stuffs and to save consumers from frauds and deception. The standards of various food articles have been prescribed in Appendix B of the PFA Rules, 1955. Food Articles sold in the market are required to conform the specifications laid down under PFA Rules, 1955. The implementation of the PFA Act, 1954 and Rules, 1955 is entrusted with the Food (Health) Authorities of the States/UTs. The enforcement staff of the States/UTs draw random samples of various food articles including milk, tea, processed fruit/vegetables, coffee etc. for analysis. Action is taken against the offenders under the provisions of the PFA Act, 1954 and Rules framed thereunder where the samples of food articles are not found conforming to PFA standards. ...