In the last two days, 5,040 cans from neighbouring districts have been checked at three entry points to the city and 847 have been seized by the food safety department for improper labelling or for being soiled.
“If you buy water in bubble tops, then look out for proper sleeves pasted near the seal. The sleeve should contain, among other things, the name of the company, address, packing date, expiry date, FSSAI and BIS licence numbers,” said A. Ramakrishnan, designated officer, Tamil Nadu Food Safety and Drug Administration Department.
“Along with the sleeve, consumers should see if the water is transparent, odourless, colourless and crystal clear. This is only to ensure that consumers get quality water that does not harm them in any way. Water contamination could be a serious issue if the water is not treated or packaged properly. We are asking manufacturers to ensure that sleeves are printed and pasted with correct details. We have also directed them to provide details of companies that fill bubble tops at their facilities so that they too could be brought into the loop,” Mr. Ramakrishnan said.
Vehicle checks
The department, which began its checks on packaged drinking water manufacturers last month, has now begun checking vehicles transporting water. “There are many companies from neighbouring Tiruvallur and Kancheepuram that supply drinking water to the city, which is why we want those companies to comply with the norms. In the meantime, the department is insisting that transporters too take licences, since it is mandatory under the Food Safety Act,” he said. The department will continue checking vehicles bringing bubble tops and water bottles to ensure that everyone, including the manufacturers, transporters and suppliers become part of the chain. Even those supplying drinking water to houses must obtain licences, an official explained.
Mangoes destroyed
Meanwhile, the department has also been seizing mangoes ripened using ethylene powder directly near the fruit. Artificial ripening is allowed if the raw mangoes are treated with ethylene gas in chambers. There is a standard operating procedure.
Officials have met individual shopkeepers, demonstrated the correct procedure and also kept banners at the Koyambedu market. But some shops still do not follow these. Therefore, over 4.5 tonnes of fruits, worth ₹3.5 lakh, were seized.
“Cases are being filed against three mango vendors for not following the standard operating procedure,” said an official.
