Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:
(a) whether the Government collects random samples of pan masala/gutka under Food Safety and Standard Act (FSSAI), 2006;
(b) if so, the details of the pan masala/ gutka samples collected during the last three years, State/UT-wise;
(c) whether the samples found were in conformity with the standard regulations;
(d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor; and
(e) the action taken against the erring companies?
THE MINISTER OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
(SHRI JAGAT PRAKASH NADDA)
(a) to (e): Random sampling and testing of food products including pan masala etc. is undertaken by the officials of Food Safety Departments of the respective States/UTs to check compliance of the standards laid down under the Food Safety and Standards (FSS) Act, 2006 and Regulations thereunder. In cases, where the food samples are found to be non-conforming to the prescribed standards, recourse is taken to penal provisions under Chapter IX of the FSS Act, 2006. Regulation No. 2.3.4 of the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restriction on sales) Regulations, 2011, provides that Tobacco and nicotine should not be used as ingredients in any food products. No separate data with regard to pan Masala and tobacco content is centrally maintained by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India.