Relevance: GS II (Governance & Health) | Source: The Hindu

1. Why is this in the News?

Recently, a very sad incident happened in Rajamahendravaram, Andhra Pradesh. Four elderly people died due to kidney failure, and many children fell seriously ill after drinking poisoned (adulterated) milk from a local seller.

The state government has arrested the seller and is testing the milk to find out exactly what harmful chemicals were mixed in it.

2. What is Food Adulteration?

Adulteration is the illegal practice of mixing cheap, harmful substances into daily food items. Sellers do this to increase the weight of the food or to make stale food look fresh and pure, just to earn more profit.

Common Examples in our Daily Food:

3. The Laws: Who Protects Our Food?

India has specific bodies and laws to ensure we eat safe food:

• The Watchdog (FSSAI): The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India is the top government body that sets the safety rules for all food items sold in the country.
• The Main Law: The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. This law gives officers the power to heavily fine or jail anyone making or selling unsafe food.
• Fundamental Right: The Supreme Court of India has clearly stated that getting safe and pure food is a fundamental part of a citizen’s Right to Life (Article 21).

4. How Do We Fix This System?

Having laws on paper is not enough. To stop this “silent killer,” we need practical steps:

• Surprise Checks: State food safety officers must conduct regular, surprise testing at local village shops and street vendors, not just in big company factories.
• Empowering the Public: The government should promote low-cost testing kits (like FSSAI’s “Magic Box”) so common people can easily check their milk and spices at home.
• Digital Tracking: We must use technology like barcodes to track milk from the “village cow to the city cup.” If poison is found, the police should immediately know which middleman mixed it.

UPSC Value Box

With reference to food safety and adulteration in India, consider the following statements:

1. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is a statutory body established under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution.
2. The presence of excessive urea and washing detergents in milk primarily damages the human kidneys.
3. The Supreme Court of India has interpreted the right to safe food as an integral part of the Right to Life under Article 21 of the Constitution.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer: (b)