Food safety has once again come under the spotlight after Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy raised concerns over the increasing number of food adulteration cases in Telangana. The Minister said the issue poses a serious threat to public health and called for immediate enforcement measures.
Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy has raised serious concerns over the growing incidence of food adulteration in Telangana, alleging that harmful substances are being mixed into commonly consumed spices to enhance their colour, weight and market value.
Editorial Insight
Key Highlights
G. Kishan Reddy raises concern over food adulteration in Telangana.G. Kishan Reddy raises concern over food adulteration in Telangana.
FSSAI has notified 22 food testing laboratories under the Hyderabad zone.
Centre has sanctioned over ₹35 crore to strengthen food testing infrastructure.
Telangana currently operates 8 mobile food testing laboratories.
Minister urges strict action by the Telangana government.
According to the Minister, substances such as textile dyes, artificial colours, talcum powder and rice bran oil are reportedly being used in adulterated food products, posing significant health risks to consumers.
He urged the Telangana government to take immediate and stringent action against those involved in food adulteration, stressing that ensuring food safety is directly linked to protecting public health.
Highlighting the Centre's efforts, Mr. Reddy said the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has notified 17 primary laboratories and 5 referral laboratories under the Hyderabad zone, covering both Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, to strengthen food quality testing.
Editorial Analysis
Why This Matters
Food adulteration can cause serious health problems, including long-term illnesses. Strengthening testing infrastructure and enforcement is crucial to ensuring consumers receive safe and quality food products.
He further stated that the Central Government has released ₹11.68 crore to Telangana under the Strengthening of Food Testing System scheme, while an additional ₹23.37 crore has also been approved for further strengthening the state's food safety infrastructure.
The funds will be utilised to procure advanced food testing equipment, modernise laboratories, recruit technical staff, establish microbiology laboratories and expand mobile food testing facilities. Mr. Reddy said Telangana currently operates eight mobile food testing laboratories.
The Minister also highlighted FSSAI's nationwide Food Safety Mitras initiative, which supports food businesses through licensing assistance, training, hygiene awareness and food safety audits across schools, colleges and workplaces.
