The Commissioner of Food Safety has banned the manufacture, storage, sale, and distribution of the Nirapara brand of chilly, turmeric, and coriander powder, manufactured by KKR Food Products, Kalady, under relevant provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act of India, to protect the interest of consumers.
The decision was taken by the authorities as the spices powders sold under the Nirapara brand were found containing added starch. Food Safety Commissioner T.V. Anupama directed the manufacturer to recall all banned products from the market and file a compliance report with the Commissioner.
Food safety officials, as part of their routine food inspection and sampling work, had collected random samples of Nirapara brand of spices powders from different parts of the State on different dates. The samples analysed at the State Analysis Lab had found that the samples contained added starch.
Following an appeal from the manufacturer, the samples were reanalysed at a referral lab but the results were the same. At least 30 cases of the same nature are pending before adjudicators in different districts in the State.
The officials decided to push ahead with the ban of the products as despite notices sent under Section 46 (4) of the FSS Act, adjudications filed and fines imposed, the manufacturer has continued to sell adulterated spices powder, an official statement here said. All Assistant Commissioners of Food Safety have been directed to inspect godowns of distributors and retail outlets and seize the products for the effective implementation of the ban.
Products found to contain added starch
Food safety officers told to inspect godowns
