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Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Ludhiana: Health dept destroys 67kg of spurious paneer during food safety drive in city
The food safety officials of the local health department on Thursday carried out a comprehensive inspection drive to enforce food safety standards throughout the city. During the extensive operation, around 26 diverse food samples were collected from various establishments, including dairies, karyana stores, sweet shops, and fast-food outlets. The department issued a warning to all food operators to strictly adhere to hygiene protocols. (HT Photo) A significant joint enforcement action, involving the mandi officer and health department officials, resulted in the destruction of 67 kg of paneer at Sabzi Mandi, Ludhiana. The action was followed amid strong suspicions of substandard quality. In addition, two more paneer samples were taken for thorough laboratory testing. District health officer, Ludhiana, Dr Amarjit Kaur, emphasised the department's commitment to public well-being, stating, 'Public health is our top priority and we are committed to ensure that food businesses adhere to strict safety standards. The destruction of substandard paneer and the collection of samples for testing reflect our zero-tolerance policy towards food adulteration. We urge all vendors to comply with FSSAI regulations to avoid stringent legal action.' As a precautionary measure, the mandi officer issued a stern warning to vendors, instructing them to stop the sale of paneer in Sabzi Mandi. Samples of various food items, including paneer, milk, pulses, fortified edible oils, used cooking oils, ice cream, and sharbat, were collected from key areas across Ludhiana, such as Sabzi Mandi, Kumkalan, Machhiwara, Chandigarh Road, Samrala Chowk, and Shingar Cinema Road. All collected samples have been dispatched to an authorised laboratory for in-depth analysis. Future actions will be determined and executed strictly under the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. The officials highlighted the enforcement of critical FSSAI guidelines to ensure food safety; routine sampling of high-risk food items; mandatory use of fortified staples, such as edible oils enriched with Vitamins A and D; prohibition of reusing cooking oil beyond permissible limits; and Immediate disposal of unsafe or substandard food items. The department issued a clear warning to all food business operators, stressing the imperative to strictly adhere to hygiene, labeling, and storage norms. Non-compliance will lead to strict legal consequences.
Time of India
a day ago
- Health
- Time of India
Food safety team destroys 67kg spoiled paneer in Ludhiana
1 2 Ludhiana: Enforcing food safety standards throughout the city, the food safety team in Ludhiana carried out a comprehensive inspection drive and destroyed 67 kg of paneer while collecting 26 diverse food samples. The samples were collected under the supervision of Dr Amarjit Kaur, district health officer. As per the health department, during the operation, 26 food samples were collected from various establishments, including dairies, kirana (grocery) stores, sweet shops, and fast-food outlets. It added that a significant joint enforcement action, involving the mandi officer and health department officials, resulted in the destruction of 67 kg of paneer at Sabzi Mandi, Ludhiana, due to strong suspicions of substandard quality. "In addition, two more paneer samples were taken for thorough laboratory testing," it added. Dr Amarjit Kaur, district health officer, Ludhiana, emphasised the department's unwavering commitment to public well-being, stating, "Public health is our top priority, and we are committed to ensuring that food businesses adhere to strict safety standards. The destruction of substandard paneer and the collection of samples for testing reflect our zero-tolerance policy towards food adulteration. We urge all vendors to comply with FSSAI regulations to avoid stringent legal action. " The health department said that as a precautionary measure, the mandi officer issued a stern warning to vendors, instructing them to stop the sale of paneer in Sabzi Mandi. It added that samples of various food items, including paneer, milk, pulses, fortified edible oils, used cooking oils, ice cream, and sharbat, were collected from key areas across Ludhiana, such as Sabzi Mandi, Kumkalan, Machhiwara, Chandigarh Road, Samrala Chowk, and Shingar Cinema Road. "All collected samples have been dispatched to an authorised laboratory for in-depth analysis. Future actions will be determined and executed strictly under the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006," the health department said. The department highlighted the enforcement of critical FSSAI guidelines to ensure food safety: routine sampling of high-risk food items; mandatory use of fortified staples, such as edible oils enriched with vitamins A and D; prohibition of reusing cooking oil beyond permissible limits; and immediate disposal of unsafe or substandard food items. The health department issued a clear warning to all food business operators, stressing the imperative to strictly adhere to hygiene, labelling, and storage norms. Non-compliance will lead to strict legal consequences.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Food safety lapses: Brands tighten quick commerce terms
MUMBAI: Following incidents of food safety violations at dark stores operated by quick commerce platforms, brands are renegotiating and tightening their terms of contract with them to ensure that such instances are kept under check. "Clauses related to storage, handling and hygiene are being renegotiated, especially in the context of dark stores and last-mile are also keeping legal options open particularly where negligent handling could trigger consumer claims or regulatory scrutiny," Chandan Goswami, partner at law firm AT & Partners told TOI. At least half a dozen brands including Marico, ITC, Godrej Consumer Products and Dabur declined to comment. Queries sent to Zepto, Swiggy and Zomato-owned Blinkit did not elicit any responses. Earlier this month, the Maharashtra Food & Drug Administration department had suspended food business licences of Zepto's Dharavi dark store and another managed by Blinkit in Pune's Balewadi area over food safety violations and regulatory non-compliance. The licences have been reinstated following inspection by authorities and adherence to compliance by the platforms. Brands are now negotiating representations and warranties (as part of the contract), asserting compliance with FSSAI norms and accurate food handling procedures. They are also incorporating robust indemnity clauses to shield themselves from losses or reputational harm arising from platform lapses besides seeking audit rights to get access to dark stores and fulfilment centres for verification, said Dheeraj Nair, partner at JSA Advocates & Solicitors. "Quick commerce operators can no longer be treated as mere facilitators; they are increasingly viewed as co-custodians of regulated goods. Brands, in response, are revising contracts to force accountability through precise compliance standards and legal safeguards," said Nair. To be sure, the FSSAI e-commerce guidance and advisories require formal written agreements between brand owners and platforms affirming compliance with FSSAI regulations, legal experts said. The market for quick commerce or 10-minute deliveries is rapidly growing in India, particularly in the metros where, pressed for time, consumers do not mind paying a bit extra to get groceries and other products delivered at their doorstep in minutes. The space has expanded to cover a whole host of non-grocery categories including toys, jewellery, electronics and select apparel. A recent report by Kearney said that the quick commerce market is expected to triple between 2024 and 2027 touching Rs 1.5-1.7 lakh crore. Pursuant to recent developments, both brands and quick commerce platforms are likely to increasingly scrutinise the representations and warranties which form a part of their agreements. This will ensure requisite licences, including those under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 have been obtained and maintained, said Sahil Narang, partner at Khaitan & Co. "The focus will also be on compliance protocols, especially in relation to perishable goods where hygiene and storage standards are critical," Narang said. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
NDTV
2 days ago
- Health
- NDTV
Influencer Files Case Against The Whole Truth Brand, Claims It Is Misleading. Brand Calls His Claim Misleading
In today's world, consumers are often confused about what's safe or healthy to eat. With an overload of information online, it's easy to get overwhelmed and be unsure of what to consume and when. If you search the Internet, you'll find the answer you're looking for, no matter the bias. If you look up 10 reasons why a particular food is bad, you'll easily find 20 more justifying why you shouldn't eat it. Conversely, if you want 10 reasons why that same food should be added to your diet, the Internet will give you that too. To escape this vicious cycle, you might think of shopping offline instead-going to the grocery store yourself. But the experience isn't any better. With hundreds of ingredients on every shelf and the pressure to read every label, the process remains just as exhausting. So, when a brand launches in the Indian market promising simple ingredients and transparent labelling, there's little doubt it'll do well. One such brand, now valued at Rs 2,133 crore, is The Whole Truth. Yes, we're talking about The Whole Truth, launched in 2019. In case you're unaware, it's a clean-label food brand focused on transparency and honesty in its ingredients. It was initially launched as "And Nothing Else" and later rebranded to better reflect its commitment to full ingredient disclosure. What Happened? Things took a turn for the worse when influencer Akash Yadav, also known as Akash Yadhuvanshi, filed a complaint against the brand for allegedly misleading consumers. With over three lakh Instagram followers, Akash filed the complaint with FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) and followed it up with a video on his social media. In the video, Akash says that although his content doesn't usually focus on such topics, he felt compelled to speak when "a brand that claims to be clean" falls short of what they promise. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Akash Yadav (@sir_akash_yaduvanshi) "I generally don't make such videos, but when you eat clean, work out, avoid junk, and then a brand promising 'no lies' ends up serving you half-truths, you feel bad. I don't want drama, but I've filed a case against the brand," he says in the video. Akash recalls that when he first came across the brand, he was excited -- it seemed honest, had a bold tagline, and looked legit. But after doing some digging, he says he found red flags. The Protein Powder Problem Akash first points to their protein powder, which he claims has excessive sugar. For instance, The Whole Truth's coffee-flavoured protein powder contains 25 grams of sugar per 100 grams, of which 14 grams is added. He argues that an ideal protein powder should have 0-5 grams of sugar. Experts seem to mostly agree. Komal Malik, a dietitian at Asian Hospital, Haryana, says, "Generally, complete protein powders don't include sugar as they're isolated. But some do add flavour enhancers, which can contain sugar." She agrees that 25 grams of sugar per 100 grams "does sound like a lot". Akash also criticises the brand's claim that the powder is for "everyone", saying the added sugar makes it unsuitable for kids, diabetics, and those avoiding sugar. Debjani Gupta, Functional Nutritionist and Founder of Wellness For All, disagrees. She says she has personally used the product and had no issues with it. "This protein powder is beginner-friendly, and that explains the sugar. If someone wants a no-sugar option, they can go for the Whey Isolate version," she says. Akash raises similar concerns about the brand's protein bars, suggesting they are not truly for "everyone". The Hazelnut Spread Another issue he points out is with their Hazelnut Spread. Akash claims the brand advertises it as being made with real chocolate, but says it actually uses "cocoa nibs and cocoa powder, which is not real chocolate". Debjani partially agrees. She clarifies that while cocoa nibs and cocoa powder are both derived from cacao beans and are processed, the processing isn't necessarily bad for your health. This is because real chocolate -- i.e., cocoa -- is high in fat and antioxidants, but also bitter in taste. Processing it (to make cocoa powder and cocoa nibs) not only improves the taste slightly but also reduces the fat content, which is important if you're trying to manage your weight. However, this also means that some antioxidants are lost in the process. "Cocoa nibs are roasted and crushed cacao beans, while cocoa powder is processed further, sometimes using alkalisation," she explains. She adds that cocoa nibs and cocoa powder offer a rich, chocolatey flavour and are a healthier alternative to processed chocolate; being high in antioxidants, fibre, and healthy fats. "Cocoa nibs and cocoa powder are a healthier option for those trying to eat clean. Instead of calories from sugar and artificial flavours, you're getting denser nutrients and mindful calories. That said, moderation is still key," she adds. "So, I decided to file the complaint because I don't think the brand is providing the clarity it's supposed to," Akash concludes. Akash also shared with NDTV, that the brand changed their tagline and removed the bit about how their protein bar is for 'your parents and your kids', soon after the video was released. Have a look: The before and the after. Photo: The Whole Truth How The Brand And Internet Reacted Akash's video, posted a week ago, sparked mixed reactions. While some supported him, others disagreed. Here's how The Whole Truth responded: The brand posted a detailed comment directly addressing Akash. "Dear Akash, I am Shashank, founder of The Whole Truth. All three of your points are baseless, as I'll explain below. Yet you chose to make this video instead of waiting for our response-your complaint hasn't even reached us," he wrote. Shashank clarified that the protein powder in question is their "Beginner's Protein". "It has 15 grams of protein and 4.3 grams of added sugar (from jaggery) per scoop. That's one teaspoon of sugar, clearly declared on the front of the pack. The phrase 'protein for everyone' means it's not just for gym freaks -- it's for people starting their protein journey who need balanced macros," he explained. The Whole Truth was founded by Shashank Mehta in 2019. Photo: The Whole Truth He also mentioned that for serious fitness users, they offer products with 24-30 grams protein and 0 gram added sugar. "Yet you highlighted only the beginner range and exaggerated the sugar content by quoting per 100 grams, which is nearly 3x the scoop size. That's misleading," he added. On the protein bar, the brand says it never claimed to be for "everyone" and calls that assertion false. Lastly, Shashank defends the hazelnut spread, saying it does contain real chocolate. "I know, because we make our own chocolate. Cocoa nibs and cocoa powder are both pure chocolate ingredients. In fact, it's a regulatory requirement to declare them as such," he added. "This should clarify things. Your followers deserve accurate facts, not misleading numbers and false claims," he concluded. So, was Akash simply chasing attention, or does the brand need to relook its messaging? You decide.
Indian Express
3 days ago
- Health
- Indian Express
Doctor cautions against swapping white iodised salt with other alternatives; here's why
Many experts have noticed a concerning trend among people nowadays: replacing white salt with other table salt substitutes like pink salt or rock salt. However, general physician Dr Akshat Chadha advised everyone to shift back to using 'white iodised salt for cooking.' 'The thyroid levels are fluctuating for anyone who has been using other salts (pink or rock salt) for up to two years. The solution is to reduce overall salt intake and not change salts,' said Dr Chadha. 'Salts like pink salt have good trace minerals but none have enough iodine. White salt didn't have it either, but due to fortification, it now does, and it works well too. Your worries about white salt can be minimised by reducing the amount of salt used while cooking and not changing the salt,' said Dr Chadha. Dr Manjusha Agarwal, senior consultant, internal medicine, Gleneagles Hospital Parel Mumbai, concurred that indeed, people do not eat white salt, which is iodised and has been fortified with iodine. 'People nowadays prefer other mineral salts like rock salt or Himalayan pink salt. Different types of salt have different minerals. It is good to have everything in small quantities. Please do not stop your white salt intake because what is happening is people are completely stopping its intake, thinking that it is not nice. It is good in moderation,' said Dr Agarwal. In India, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) mandates that only iodised salt be sold for direct human consumption, ensuring adequate iodine intake across the population, said Dr Deepti Sinha, lead consultant, dept of ENT, CK Birla Hospital (R), Delhi. 'FSSAI standards specify that iodised salt should contain not less than 15 parts per million (ppm) of iodine at the consumer level. By adhering to these guidelines, individuals can maintain proper iodine levels, supporting essential bodily functions and overall health,' said Dr Sinha. A post shared by Akshat Chadha (@dr_akshat) According to Dr Agarwal, iodine deficiency can give rise to goitre, and thyroid problems. Dr Agarwal noted that one should continue having white salt in cooked food and use other salts in foods like buttermilk, salad, chaat etc. Additionally, cut out packaged foods, papads, and pickles and avoid adding additional salt unnecessarily to rice or atta, said Dr Chadha. 'Anyone who is pregnant or is trying to get pregnant and has been prescribed thyroxine by her doctor should take it, as it's a different scenario. But also change your salt back to white iodised salt,' said Dr Chadha.
