Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram   

Adulterated baby food seized

Thiruvananthapuram: The City Corporation has initiated action against the manufacturer of a local brand of ragi- based baby food that was found to contain an artificial colouring agent. Tests carried out at the Government Analytical Laboratory here on samples collected by the Corporation Food Inspector confirmed the presence of Sunset Yellow, an artificial colour not approved for baby foods.

A raid by Food Inspector D.Jayachandran revealed that Ananthapuri Associates, an agency based at Karamana, was the wholesale distributor for the baby food brand named Manna. Based on information from the agency, the Corporation seized stocks from a margin-free outlet at Vattiyoorkavu and sent samples for analysis. Rule 29 of the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act bans the use of artificial colours in powdered grains like ragi malt. Besides, ISI certification is mandatory for infant foods.

According to health experts, artificial colouring in baby foods retards the development of an infant’s brain and internal organs and tampers with metabolic activity.

However, many manufacturers resort to artificial colouring to enhance shelf-life and visual appeal and prevent pest infection. Corporation Secretary Johnson K.George said health inspectors had been directed to step up raids in a bid to detect adulterated food materials. He warned that offenders would be prosecuted.

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