PANJIM: With large quantity of mithai, the traditional sweets being sold in the local markets for the Diwali festival, which is just round the corner, the Food and Drugs Administration has began carrying out tests of samples of sweets, collected from around the state.
The FDA sources informed that around 70 samples of sweets have been collected during past four days, and have been forwarded to the Bambolim-based laboratory for analysis. "The FDA food inspectors have been constantly checking sweets sold in Goa, however, the possibility of finding such adulterated stuff is rare," the sources maintained.
The FDA sources further appealed to the public to provide information as regards any adulterated sweets, if they come across such products.
"Following the news reports as regards use of adulterated khawa/ khoya in sweets, in states like Maharashtra, Gujarat and Delhi, the FDA also visited few places in Goa, where sweets are being manufactured, but could not find any objectionable food material," they noted.
It was further mentioned that the FDA inspectors are focussing on milk-based products, especially kalakand, an exquisite milk-based sweet preparation, wherein concentrated milk or khoya and fresh paneer called chhana are mixed and simmered together with sugar to a luxurious thick, firmness.
"Kalakand is mostly imported from other states to Goa, and it is very difficult to adulterate the same as it contains sugar," the FDA sources maintained.
The FDA, on an average, annually sends around 500 samples of various food items to the laboratory, and in very rare cases finds adulterated material in them, the sources stated. It was also informed that artificial food colours like Metanil Yellow and certain pink colours are banned and the related information has been given to the manufacturers of sweets in Goa. (NT)
Good move before Diwali. Rest assured for these officers is that their Diwali will be full of Sweet in pockets and pure sweets at their homes. Got it?
ReplyDeleteWhy only check the sweet marts at Diwali time? They should check the roadside vendors selling sub standard food items, the omlette pau gadas with little or no water to wash plates, spoons and forks. The cooking oil that is repeatedly used until burnt black and of course, the open places some of them near Sulabh toilets.