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Human Finger in Ice-Cream a major food safety concern:

Food safety is one of the rising concerns these days with so many cases of adulterations and unhygienic conditions.

The incident has raised significant concerns about food safety and hygiene practices within the manufacturing unit, prompting a thorough investigation to ensure such incidents do not recur.

Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) have registered a case against company officials under section 272 (Adulteration of food or drink) & Section 273 (Sale of harmful food & drink) and issued notice to shutdown of food business to serve as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining stringent food safety standards to protect consumers.

Unauthorized Sale of Human Milk:

The Food and Drug Administration has warned against unauthorized sale of human milk. It said the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has not permitted the processing and/or selling of human milk.

All such activities related to the commercialization of human milk and its products should be immediately banned. Any violation may result in initiation of action against the Food Business Operators (FBOs) in accordance with FSS Act, Rules and Regulations.

The FSSAI has directed all state and central authorities to ensure that no FSSAI License or Registration granted to any such Food Business Operators who are involved in processing or selling of human milk and its products.

Not to use Liquid Nitrogen in Food service:

With a few cases of the consumption of ‘Liquid Nitrogen’ causing serious injuries being reported from eateries from various parts of country, the food and safety department of central government may soon take action against establishments illegally using this substance.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), a central government statutory body which regulates the manufacture, storage, distribution, sale and import of food articles, while also establishing standards to ensure food safety, and follow the advisory issued by it.

According to officials, Liquid Nitrogen is being extensively used by eateries to give a smoky effect to food items, sometimes causing injuries to people consuming it. The substance is often used for quick chilling of Ice-creams, cocktails and mocktails and bakery products.

Liquid nitrogen, widely used as a coolant, can cause severe injuries to mouth, throat, oesophagus, and stomach if ingested directly. While it is banned at the stage when food is being served to consumers, liquid nitrogen permitted under FSSAI to be used as a contact freezing and cooling agent in dairy-based desserts, such as ice-creams, during the production phase. There is no permission to use Liquid Nitrogen in smoking biscuits, desserts, or other eats while serving for consumption.

Taking cognizance of such incidents, FSSAI issued an advisory saying illicit use of liquid nitrogen directly at the point of serving or plating was not allowed and will be considered as non-compliance by the food businesses.

Any violation to this shall result in initiation of statutory action against the food businesses in accordance with FSS Act, 2006 and rules and regulations made thereunder.

Found Sanitary Ped in Ice-cream tub:

The incident came into light when customer found a sanitary ped inside an Ice-cream tub manufactured by a leading dairy brand in India.

The company, which markets dairy products requested customer to return the ice-cream tub for further investigation. The company emphasized that without the complaint pack, it would be challenging to investigate the matter and comment specifically on the issue, which involves pack and supply chain integrity.

As one of India’s most trusted brands, company export their products across more than 50 countries, adhering to the highest quality and food safety standards from over 100 dairies across India. The co-operative organization reiterated its commitment to ensuring that their products are safe, healthy and nutritious for dairy consumption.

Pesticide residue in Indian herbs and spices:

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) have dismissed alleging high pesticide residue in Indian herbs and spices.

The food safety regulator classified that India maintains stringent standards for Maximum Residue Limit (MRLs), tailored to individual food products according to risk assessments.

Pesticides fall under the purview of the ministry of agriculture and farmers welfare, regulated by the central insecticide board and registration committee established under the Insecticide Act of 1968. The process involves the examination of data by the scientific panel on pesticides residues of FSSAI.

Recommendations for MRLs are made following risk assessments, considering dietary habits and health concerns across various age groups in India. The FSSAI said that the MRLs undergo regular revision based on scientific evidence, conforming to global standards to ensure validity and alignment with the latest research and international norms.

Passenger found blade like metal in meal served in flight:

Taking cognizance of a passenger finding part of a metal blade in their meal on an international flight, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) conducted checks at the facility of caterer and asked to install an X-ray machine.

This will prevent a recurrence of such a thing, as the X-ray machine will be able to detect the presence of any metal object in the food items at the facility where meals are packed in metallic foil or packaging material having any metallic component.

The food regulator has asked airlines and flight caterers yet again to improve the quality of meals served on board, as there have been repeated complaints about the same. Sources said the blade found in the food item was from one of the automatic vegetable cutters, which accidentally got displaced and got stuck inside the vegetable piece. Following a detailed inspection, corrective measures had been implemented and an improvement notice had been served to prevent similar incidents in the future.

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