MLAs express concern over food adulteration

Amaravati: The MLAs of ruling Telugu Desam party expressed serious concern over the usage of adulterated colours in eatables across the state. Raising the issue, MLAs T Sravan Kumar and Modugula Venugopala Reddy said the government was not serious on such an important issue and expressed displeasure over the minister’s reaction in this regard.

Stating that several food items like ghee, turmeric, chili powder, ice creams, cakes, chicken and drinks were being adulterated with colours, Sravan Kumar said there were no effective steps from the government to curb usage of colours in food items.

Warning the government that the usage of colours causes cancer and several other dangerous diseases, the MLA said there was no staff to regulate such unauthorised practice and added the food control department has only 14 inspectors instead of 500 staff requirements.

MLA Modugula Venugopala Reddy also reacted seriously on the issue and found fault with the false answers giving in the Assembly. He said the Assembly would lose its sanctity due to the attitude of the ministers.

However, Speaker Kodela Sivaprasad warned the MLA and suggested to withdraw his words. But Modugula convinced the Speaker by explaining his motive behind the statement. MLA Anagani Satyaprasad said the government should appoint food inspectors and take appropriate action against the food adulteration.