The Food Safety and Drug Administration Department officials seized about four tonnes of adulterated tea dust from a distributor in Tambaram on Monday. A team of officials raided a godown where the stocks were kept ready to be supplied to various areas in the suburban localities.
A team led by A.Ramakrishnan, Designated Officer, Office of the Deputy Director of Health Services, Kancheepuram, based on a tip off, raided the godown, seized the stock stored in gunny bags, and arrested Ramu, 50, who was in-charge of the godown.
Earlier the officials had conducted checks at tea stalls and found the tea dust to be adulterated with colouring agents. The inferior quality tea powder was seized immediately, Mr. Ramakrishnan said.
Inquiries revealed that the consignments were sent from a godown in Tambaram and two agents were involved in this.
The officials said that this was one of the major haul of adulterated tea powder seized. The adulterant used could affect pancreas and kidneys. The link between the agents, suppliers and tea shop owners are under investigation, say officials.
According to the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954, the sample of the seized products had been sent for testing. On the outcome of the lab results, legal action would be initiated against the offenders, officials added.
You have reached your limit for free articles this month.
Subscription Benefits Include
Today's Paper
Find mobile-friendly version of articles from the day's newspaper in one easy-to-read list.
Unlimited Access
Enjoy reading as many articles as you wish without any limitations.
Personalised recommendations
A select list of articles that match your interests and tastes.
Faster pages
Move smoothly between articles as our pages load instantly.
Dashboard
A one-stop-shop for seeing the latest updates, and managing your preferences.
Briefing
We brief you on the latest and most important developments, three times a day.
Support Quality Journalism.
*Our Digital Subscription plans do not currently include the e-paper, crossword and print.
A letter from the Editor
Dear subscriber,
Thank you!
Your support for our journalism is invaluable. It’s a support for truth and fairness in journalism. It has helped us keep apace with events and happenings.
The Hindu has always stood for journalism that is in the public interest. At this difficult time, it becomes even more important that we have access to information that has a bearing on our health and well-being, our lives, and livelihoods. As a subscriber, you are not only a beneficiary of our work but also its enabler.
We also reiterate here the promise that our team of reporters, copy editors, fact-checkers, designers, and photographers will deliver quality journalism that stays away from vested interest and political propaganda.
Suresh Nambath
Please Email the Editor