Recently, the Food and Drugs Control Administration (FDCA) imposed a significant fine of Rs 15 lakh on Hindustan Coca Cola Beverages Pvt Ltd for misbranding imported items. During a routine inspection at Cold Man Logistics Pvt Ltd, labeling discrepancies were discovered in 8,000 kg of imported frozen orange pulp from Peace River Brand. The inspection, led by FDCA Commissioner Dr HG Koshia, revealed that the frozen orange pulp from the HCCB was mislabeled.
Further inspection uncovered a total of 8,000 kg of the frozen orange pulp from Peace River Citrus Products stored in 400 boxes of 20 kg each. Designated officers from Nadiad-Kheda and Food Safety Officers jointly carried out a sampling of the suspicious food items in the presence of a nominee of Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages Pvt Ltd. Eight tonnes of the product, valued at Rs 11 lakh, were seized on the spot and sent for verification. The samples were declared misbranded on August 8, 2022, leading to a complaint filed by the Food Safety Officer against a total of five persons.
The Adjudicating Officer, considering the seriousness of the case, fined all five accused persons Rs 15 lakh. Earlier, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) had warned about misleading food labels in dietary guidelines, highlighting the importance of careful reading. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) have also emphasized the importance of checking information on packaged foods.
Meanwhile, the FDCA seized red chilli powder believed to be adulterated with capsicum oleoresin and an inedible red color compound from a warehouse in Chhota Udepur. Inedible red color was found to be mixed into the spice powder, along with capsicum oleoresin, for sale in unbranded packets. Six samples were taken for testing, and the FDCA is investigating criminal sections due to the use of inedible color in the spice adulteration.
Koshia explained that adulteration in spices is common during the summer season when bulk purchases are made. He noted that while reputable brands are cautious about their image, fly-by-night traders resort to adulteration to make quick money. In the Bodeli case, criminal sections will be invoked due to the use of inedible color to adulterate spices.
