Hyderabad: Food products which are rejected in the export markets are used in the domestic markets without subjecting them to tests. The Food Safety and Standard Authority of India has received complaints that often the water in the packed food is not tested properly.
Mr Rakesh Shah, consultant food and safety management systems, said, “It is most important for food manufacturers is to test water for heavy metals like lead and potassium. Water is not tested as per the IS 10500 standards.”
He said tests for the presence of physical, chemical and pesticide residues and toxic metals and microbiological checks were needed. These contaminants cause severe health hazards.
A senior food inspector said, “It has been found that the export food products are often rejected due to these reasons but they are freely circulated in the domestic market. FSSAI wants to get these packed food tested so that the domestic market does not get low-quality foods.”
With increasing cases of cancer and rising obesity levels the focus has shifted on the food products which are consumed and the methodology used in making the same.
