SHAKEELA ANDRABI
SRINAGAR: Food Safety team of Anantnag on Wednesday tested more than 30 samples of watermelon on-the-spot for artificial colours through Mobile Food Testing Van (MFTV) during intensive market inspection in view of the apprehensions surrounding on social media regarding availability of artificially ripened watermelon in markets during the holy month of Ramadan.
However, during on-the-spot analysis none of the samples showed positive test for artificial colours.
During the drive, all the Food Business Operators, dealing with fresh fruits and vegetables at Fruit and Vegetable Mandi Ashajipora and Batengoo Anantnag were inspected and warned regarding any kind of malpractice in the trade.
Moreover, the team procured 25 samples of fresh fruits and vegetables for detailed analysis in the Public Health Laboratory, J&K. In addition, mass awareness was generated among consumers for detection of artificial colours through rapid testing at home.
The Food Safety authorities of the district have cautioned that regular inspections will continue in the district to maintain highest standards of food safety and quality, and FBOs were sternly warned to comply with the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and Rules and Regulations there under.
Notably, there were reports going on in social media that artificially ripened watermelons have flooded the Kashmir markets ahead of holy month Ramazan.
“This is no watermelon season, say NO to artificially ripened watermelon this Ramadan. Save yourself from chemicals and later on chemotherapy,” posted Dr Wajahat, a clinical Oncologist on ‘X’.
During the holy month, the consumption of fruits, especially watermelon, sees a significant surge in the valley. However, there has been a concern always regarding the artificially ripened fruits into the market.
Deputy Commissioner, J&K Drug and Food Control Organisation said that they are routinely carrying-out the market checking in all the districts of Kashmir to check whether any fruit or vegetable has been adulterated or contaminated, ensuring the safety of consumers.
“The people need not to panic. We are conducting the market checking and surveillance sampling, every third week of the month,” she said, adding: “As of now we did not have any reports of fruit being adulterated” Another official from the department said that watermelons ripen in various states across the country during different seasons.”So, if the watermelon has arrived this time, it can’t be unseasonal. It must have been grown in the state where its season has begun or the fruit might be in the Controlled Atmosphere (CA) stores” he said. “We checked pesticides and other chemicals in the items but the reports came negative,” he added.
He said that they carry out the drive according to commodities and seasonal fruits. Notably, from the last three years, J&K has topped the Food Safety Index, maintaining its top slot in the Union Territory category. The index assesses the performance of states and Union Territories (UTs) based on various food safety parameters, he added.