FDA warns against expired & adulterated Kuttu Atta and other items consumed during Navratri

Wednesday, 02 October 2024 | PNS | DEHRADUN

The Food Safety and Drug Administration (FDA) has urged people to buy food items commonly consumed during Navratri like Kuttu Atta and Sabudana from reliable sources and after checking its quality as these items are in high demand only during the festival season. Due to this, some shopkeepers store old stock and sell it in subsequent seasons. Many also mix old ingredients with new ones, such as Kuttu Atta, Cholai and Sabudana and market them as fresh, the FDA deputy commissioner GC Kandwal said. He further said, “Most of these items have a short shelf life once exposed to air. Products like Kuttu Atta are not meant to be stored for several months, as they become toxic over time, potentially causing severe health issues.” He said that consumers should purchase these items from trusted retailers or opt for packaged products, ensuring they are FSSAI licensed, as indicated on the packaging. This can reduce the chances of adulteration, he added. He also emphasised consuming such items within the period specified on the packaging to avoid health risks.

In October 2021, during Navratri, 20 people from Haripur Kalan and Bhutpawala in Haridwar fell ill after consuming pooris and pakodas made from Kuttu Atta. A year earlier, in October 2020, 115 people had fallen ill after eating pooris made from Kuttu Atta. In 2023, the ADM court fined two traders Rs 50,000 each after their samples of Kuttu Atta failed quality tests. Addressing the administration’s preparations to prevent food adulteration ahead of the festive season, Kandwal stated that FDA teams have already begun inspecting food establishments and collecting samples in districts. “A meeting was also held on Tuesday by the FDA in collaboration with the distributors’ association and the trade union to raise awareness in Haridwar considering cases in recent years. The departmental officials were instructed to carry out continuous inspections of food businesses,” he stated. Kandwal further stated that FDA teams are regularly inspecting the establishments of wholesalers and distributors. Traders have been advised not to stock expired flour, to purchase Kuttu Atta with proper billing and to ensure correct storage practices to avoid any potential health risks to consumers, he added.