20% of Indian food samples either adulterated or misbranded in 2015

By RJ Whitehead

- Last updated on GMT

Photo: iStock
Photo: iStock

Related tags Food safety

Roughly one-fifth of all food samples tested by public laboratories were found to be “adulterated and misbranded”, according to data released by India’s food regulator.

Uttar Pradesh, the most populous state, came top of the FSSAI’s annual league table after 43% of the 9,600 samples tested there did not meet food safety regulations. 

Madhya Pradesh led the number of convictions secured with 418 coming from 843 criminal and civil cases, compared to Uttar Pradesh’s 186 from 3,650.

Across India, 74,010 samples were tested in the year to November 24, and 14,599 were found to contravene laws. Of 10,536 cases filed, just over 1,400 resulted in conviction and netted almost Rs110m (US$1.7m) in fines.

Milk and oil are majorly adulterated in food items. Contaminated milk and oil pose a major risk to health. We have to monitor it minutely. We will soon start a campaign on milk and oil in the national capital and spread it to other states. We have written to other states too to keep a tab on food adulteration​,” a senior FSSAI official said.

Related topics Policy Food safety South Asia

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