Adulterated food: Andhra Pradesh third, no Telangana data

Hyderabad: After Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh has reported the highest number of incidents of adulteration of food items. According to Food Safety and Standards Authority of India around 20 per cent of the 4,860 samples received and analysed in AP in 2015-16 were found to be adulterated. Food safety authorities have filed criminal and civil cases pertaining to the adulteration of 870 samples.

Ironically, authorities could secure conviction only in three cases of adulteration, showing the negligence of investigation by the food safety officials. FSSAI officials said AP officials has booked 194 criminal cases and 347 civil cases against food safety violators. “Around Rs 52.15 lakh has been collected as fine in Andhra Pradesh,” an FSSAI official said. Asked about Telangana state, he said no information had been received. Several food sellers are yet to be registered in Telangana state.

In AP food safety authorities issued licences to 31,384 establishments and registered 32,902 food sellers and distributors. In Telangana state, the number is almost half. Only 15,347 have been issued licenses and 12,694 establishments were registered according to the FSSAI officials. Both the states have formed steering committees and tribunals to deal with cases under the FSSAI Act from appointing food safety commissioners, adjudicating officers, designated officers and food safety officers.