THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Christmas is the time when there is huge demand for cakes. Bakeries compete with each other to showcase different varieties of cakes. They differ not only in size and shape but also are distinct in their colour combinations and other decorations, to woo the customers. But, not all experiments are innocuous.
A few cakes that are sold during Christmas are not fit for consumption. Some of them contain artificial colours and chemicals that are harmful. People are already complaining.
Foot Safety Commissioner Veena N Madhavan has cautioned the public to be careful. “We have received complaints from various locations. Some of the manufacturing units are operating illegally. We will take appropriate action,” said a statement from the Food Safety Commissionerate.
Adulteration in food items is a serious offence that can lead to cancellation of license, jail sentence for 6 months upto life. Besides, the criminal offence attracts a fine upto Rs 10 lakh. Public can register complaint to the Food Safety Department through email (foodsafetykerala@gmail.com) or phone (1800 425 1125).
Types of adulterants
Intentional adulterants: Sand, marble chips, stones, mud, other filth, talc, chalk powder, water, mineral oil and harmful colours
Incidental adulterants: Pesticide residues, droppings of rodents and larvae in foods
Metallic contaminants: Arsenic from pesticides, lead from water, effluents from chemical industries and tin from cans