KOZHIKODE: Food Safety and Standard Authorities of India (FSSAI) will keep a close watch on the wholesale and retail markets here during the Onam season when fruits and vegetable consumption doubles. The primary focus will be on the flow of substandard items. It has also decided to conduct night raids every day starting on August 8, particularly in the street eateries and pop-up stores. FSSAI officials have also decided to do vigil checks at the Supplyco, Triveni and similar government outlets and Big Bazar at Valiyangadi.
“We have been receiving several reports of a high level of pesticides residue in them. Hence it is our responsibility to ensure that these products purchased by the public are safe and healthy to consume,” said FSSAI assistant commissioner P.K. Aleyamma. "We want the vendors here to follow the FSSAI regulations. We will seize all fruits and vegetables with pesticide residue level exceeding the maximum residue limit (MRL) set by the FSSAI and the CODEX (EU standards). The vendors and outlets caught for violation of hygiene norms, or adulteration will get banned immediately.”
It has prepared an action plan to create awareness of safe food in the State in next one year. The dairy establishment in which dairy based food is being handled, processed, manufactured, stored, distributed and ultimately sold should conform to the sanitary and hygienic requirement, food safety measures and other standards.
