Gandhinagar: As part of its drive to enforce a zero-tolerance policy against food adulteration across the state, the state food and drugs control administration (FDCA) seized more than 26 tonnes of fennel worth Rs 19.6 lakh from Unava near Unjha in Mehsana district after finding it adulterated with chemical colours. The massive crackdown reflects the state’s heightened vigilance against fraudulent food manufacturing units that compromise public health for higher profit margins.Providing details, state health minister Praful Pansheriya said that the FDCA flying squad conducted surprise raids at two locations in Unava, acting on specific actionable intelligence regarding illegal processing activities in the region.Preliminary findings revealed that in order to make the fennel appear greener and more appealing, it was being mixed with hazardous chemicals. The FDCA confiscated the entire loose stock of fennel found at the site. Officials have collected statutory samples for rigorous laboratory testing to identify the exact toxic elements used. Strict legal action under the Food Safety and Standards Act will be initiated against the perpetrators based on the final reports.
