With a view to prevent sale of adulterated spices in the wholesale markets, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (“FSSAI”) in a Letter dated 29th December 2020 has directed the Commissioner of Food Safety of all States / Union Territories to conduct an effective enforcement drive to check the adulteration of commonly used spices like haldi, dhaniya, lal mirch powder, etc.
The directive has been issued by the FSSAI in view of the increasing instances of adulteration of spices in the domestic market. Reports have suggested that dhaniya powder is being adulterated with bajra and dhaniya stem. Whereas turmeric powder is being adulterated with broken rice which is mixed with yellow colour.
FSSAI has also reiterated the provisions under Regulation 2.9 of FSS (Food Product Standards and Food additives) Regulation 2011 and highlighted that any deviation from the same would amount to violation.
Further, FSSAI has stated that it may take necessary action against defaulting Food Business Operators (“FBOs”) as per the provisions of law.
Source: Food Safety and Standards Authority of India
