The Chennai Corporation and the food safety department have asked retail outlets in the city to watch out for adulterated spices sold through wholesale markets.
After seizing four tonnes of adulterated pepper from Sowcarpet two weeks ago, food safety officials and the Corporation’s health department have begun to create awareness among retail outlets.
A large number of retailers have reportedly procured adulterated spices from wholesale dealers. But the civic body is yet to trace all of such retailers. Some of them have informed officials that the adulterated spices have been sold out.
“We identified a shop in the city selling pepper polished with mineral oil. The spice had traces of burnt diesel, liquid paraffin and petroleum jelly, all of which make it a carcinogen. Consumption of such an ingredient can result in indigestion and vomiting,” said an official.
Fewer complaints against the food business in the city have led to insufficient food safety in the city.
“We inspect 200 food business operators every month and monitor the quality of the food. Officials collect surveillance samples and issue improvement notices,” said an official.
Residents are requested to call on 9444042322 or send emails to the food safety commissioner (commrfssa@gmail.com) for complaints pertaining to adulterated food products in Tamil Nadu.
