Leader of Opposition in Delhi Assembly V. K. Malhotra on Thursday demanded that the Delhi Government quickly frame rules so that those indulging in adulteration of food items and using harmful chemicals to improve the look and size of vegetables are severely punished for threatening the lives of others.
Raising the issue under Rule 280 Special Mention, Prof. Malhotra said the Delhi High Court had issued a notice to the Delhi Government on a petition by an advocate seeking a direction to take action against those responsible for colouring of vegetables and fruits and polishing of rice, wheat and pulses with “cancerous and harmful substances”.
Stating that this was an important matter and the Delhi Government has been directed to file a reply by September 29, Prof. Malhotra said it was a matter of concern that the Directorate of Prevention of Food Adulteration had submitted that there was no rule in the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act to take action against persons indulging in the sale of such harmful substances.
“You should immediately formulate rules to address the problem,'' the BJP leader said.
Assurance
With the other BJP MLAs also joining in the demand, Health Minister Kiran Walia said people found guilty in such matters would be booked. She also assured the House that “maximum samples would be lifted'' to check such activities.
