Date:19/10/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/10/19/stories/2008101955250300.htm

Tamil Nadu - Tirunelveli

Baby food without ‘ISI’ mark seized in Tirunelveli

Staff Reporter

Surprise checks in shops will continue, says official

— Photo: A. Shaikmohideen

deplorable: Corporation officials inspecting baby food seized from the shop of a wholesale trader at Tirunelveli Junction on Friday.

TIRUNELVELI: Corporation officials, who have commenced surprise raids to check the quality of baby food, imported chocolates and candies, seized Rs. 89,000-worth baby food from a Tirunelveli Junction-based wholesale trader on Friday evening as the containers did not have ‘ISI’ mark.

Samples of the seized baby food have been sent for analysis and appropriate action will be taken against the stockist if any abnormality is found in it, sources said.

Based on instructions from Director of Health Services Dr. Elango, the Corporation officials, led by City Health Officer (In-Charge) Janaki Ravindran commenced surprise checks in bakeries, supermarkets and shops of the wholesale traders to check the quality of imported eatables and baby food varieties and the mandatory manufacture details to be printed on the packs/containers.

Though the officials could find nothing wrong with the imported goods during the raid on the first day, they seized baby food from the wholesale trader for selling it without the mandatory ‘ISI’ mark and stocking the commodities that had crossed the expiry date.

“Similar raids will be conducted in the Corporation frequently to ensure the quality of eatables, particularly baby food,” said Ms. Janaki Ravindran.