Around 18 per cent of the food samples tested for violation of food safety standards in past three years were found to be adulterated, Rajya Sabha was informed today.
In a written reply, Health and Family Welfare Minister JP Nadda said that out of 69949, 72200 and 60548 food samples analysed during 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2014-15, respectively, 10380 (14.8 per cent), 13571 (18.8 per cent) and 12077 (19.9 per cent) samples were found to be adulterated or misbranded.
"As per the conditions of license prescribed in the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulation, 2011, all Food Business Operators have to ensure testing of relevant chemical and/or microbiological contaminants in food products in accordance with these regulations as frequently as required," he said.
In another reply, Nadda said that a committee has been constituted to undertake a comprehensive review of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
"The committee has submitted its report to the department of Health and Family Welfare and, amongst others, has also made recommendations to provide for harsher punishment to any person who, whether by himself or by any other person on his behalf, adds an adulterant to food to render it injurious for human consumption," the minister said.
