Small, brightly coloured plastic bottles of drinks, loose candies sold from large jars, unbranded chips, chocolates and savoury snacks packed in flimsy plastic pouches are a common sight in vends and shops across Kashmir’s towns and villages, and many parts of the city as well.
These products carry little or no information about who manufactured them, where they were made and what ingredients they contain, putting a question mark over the health risks these pose.
These products are priced cheap, and are especially popular among children. The widespread sale of colored, flavored water in fancy packs, sprays and terta-packs has raised concerns among public.
The consumers, stakeholders believe, are being lured ito consuming products that appears suspicious even on the cursory examination. In addition, the lack of adequate label details, or false details on labels denies consumers the information needed to make informed choices.
Under the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging and Labelling) Regulations, packaged food is required to display name and address of the manufacturer or packer, ingredient list, net quantity, batch or lot number, date of manufacture or packing, best-before or expiry date. In addition, these must also have accurate nutritional information.
However, the flood of low-cost snacks and confectionery products sold in peripheral markets make it impossible for consumers to verify their origin or shelf life.
Children are among the biggest consumers of these products. These are displayed on vending carts and small shacks outside schools, targeting children on their way to and from schools. Parents find it difficult to prevent their children from getting attracted to the colourful packaging, while they remain uncertain about their quality.
Public health experts warn that absence of proper labelling does not automatically mean a product is unsafe. However, the packaging in non-foodgrade packs and plastics is a definite risk. In addition, it prevents consumers and regulators from knowing what exactly is being consumed. Sans the ingredient lists, people with food allergies cannot get cautioned about potential allergens. The missing manufacturing details also make it hard for food safety regulators to trace products in case of contamination.
During Kashmir’s warm summer months, the poor-quality packaging can also expose food to moisture, dust and contamination.
Food safety officials underlined the legal requirement for all food business operators, irrespective of size, are required to comply with food safety standards.
Assistant Commissioner Food Safety Srinagar, Yameen ul Nabi said that selling packaged food without mandatory labelling can attract regulatory action under food safety laws. He said market surveillance was on and many such cases have been found and legal action taken. He said inspections in rural and semi-urban areas and greater public awareness are needed to address the issue better. “Consumers must avoid purchasing packaged foods that do not carry essential labelling information, especially when intended for children,” he said.
