Karnataka's Department of Food Safety and Drug Administration shut down and seized the kitchen of Chairman’s Club in Sahakaranagar, Bengaluru, following a late-night raid. Inspectors uncovered 40 kg of expired chillies, unlabelled breadcrumbs, prohibited artificial food dyes, and cross-contamination of veg and non-veg items under highly unhygienic conditions. Legal action under the FSS Act has been initiated as part of Karnataka’s ongoing food safety crackdown.


Bengaluru: Officials find 40 kg expired chilli at chairman's club 

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has cracked down on prominent five-star hotels in New Delhi's Aerocity hub, issuing strict regulatory notices to JW Marriott and Andaz Delhi (Juniper Hotels). Comprehensive inspections revealed shocking hygiene lapses, including active pest infestations (cockroaches, houseflies, and fruit flies), rotten or fungus-infected produce, expired food items (such as 87 kg of expired sweets), and licensing discrepancies.


FSSAI collects samples, says actions will be taken soon; top hotels in Delhi get notices

India's food safety landscape is undergoing a massive, high-stakes overhaul as the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and state Food and Drug Administration (FDA) bodies intensify a nationwide enforcement crackdown.


Food safety crackdown intensifies in India, big facilities under FDA lens

Karnataka has stepped up food safety checks at railway stations, with officials inspecting 112 food establishments across 36 stations. The drive covered food stalls, restaurants and other outlets serving passengers, with authorities also checking food served aboard Vande Bharat trains.


Karnataka launches railway food safety drive, inspects 112 outlets across 36 stations

Karnataka's Food Safety and Drug Administration widened its statewide crackdown by raiding canteens right inside the seat of power, Vidhan Soudha and nearby government buildings. Inspectors found cockroaches crawling on food plates, expired items like idli rava and coconut powder, poor storage practices, and missing pest control at a restaurant inside the Legislators' House.


Karnataka FDA finds cockroaches and expired food in Vidhan Soudha canteen raid 

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cracked down hard on the booming quick-commerce sector, suspending the food license of a Blinkit dark store in Malad West, Mumbai.


Maharashtra food safety crackdown: FDA raids uncover hygiene lapses at quick commerce store

The US has recalled 10-million pounds of meat and poultry products this week due to fears of listeria contamination. The ready-to-eat packs of chicken suspected to have been contaminated by listeria monocytogenes bacteria were made by the food company BrucePac, according to reports.&nbsp;

The issue was found during routine checks by the US agriculture department's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) on BrucePac's&nbsp;products, multiple media outlets reported.

The ready-to-eat packs were made between June 19 and October 8 this year and&nbsp;had been sent to restaurants and other establishments across the nation.

Watch: Bacterial infection causing sudden deaths: Here's what you should know | Gravitas

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Authorities fear that these products may have reached some consumers.

The recalled items bear establishment numbers “51205 or P-51205” near the USDA inspection mark. The food safety authorities advised restaurants and other establishments not to use or serve these products.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-cdc-advises-people-to-avoid-eating-deli-meat-as-it-probes-listeria-outbreak-742782">Also read: US CDC advises people to avoid eating deli meat as it probes Listeria outbreak</a>

They should be discarded or returned to the point of purchase, they said.&nbsp;

<h2>What is Listeria?</h2>

Listeria monocytogenes is a bacteria that can cause the serious infection known as listeriosis. In rare cases, listeriosis can lead to sudden death.

It can affect people of all ages, particularly pregnant women, newborns, old people and those with weak immunity.

The bacteria is often present in contaminated food, particularly off-the-counter and ready-to-eat meats and sweets.

Listeria can be found in unpasterused milk and dairy products as well as some fish and seafood products.

It can sustain itself in low temperatures, even inside refrigerators and freezers, making it difficult to trace or eradicate.

Also, what makes it difficult to detect is that the contaminated food might appear and smell normal.

Listerioisis can lead to serious health issues. It is known to cause menigitis, miscarriages, premature deliveray and stillbirth.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cadbury-chocolates-being-recalled-in-uk-over-fears-they-might-cause-rare-but-dangerous-disease-588217">Also read: Cadbury recalls products in UK over fears they might cause ‘rare but dangerous’ disease</a>

Preventive methods against listeria inlcude heating or cooking food thoroughly, and avoiding contaminated or risky food items, particularly pre-cooked or ready-to-eat ones.

It may take up to 70 days for the symptoms to show. Symptoms include vomiting, nausea, fever, msucle pain, head ache, and stiff neck.

If you suspect that you've consumed listeria-infected food, immediately seek medical attention. &nbsp;

Treatment varies depending on severity of infection. Mild infection can be treated with rest and fluid intake. Severe cases might require antibiotic treatment and hospitalisation.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

The US has recalled 10-million pounds of meat and poultry products this week due to fears of listeria contamination. The ready-to-eat packs of chicken suspected to have been contaminated by listeria monocytogenes bacteria were made by the food company BrucePac, according to reports.

The US has recalled 10-million pounds of meat and poultry products this week due to fears of listeria contamination. The ready-to-eat packs of chicken suspected to have been contaminated by listeria monocytogenes bacteria were made by the food company BrucePac, according to reports. The issue was found during routine checks by the US agriculture department's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) on BrucePac's products, multiple media outlets reported. The ready-to-eat packs were made between June 19 and October 8 this year and had been sent to restaurants and other establishments across the nation. Watch: Bacterial infection causing sudden deaths: Here's what you should know | Gravitas × Authorities fear that these products may have reached some consumers. The recalled items bear establishment numbers “51205 or P-51205” near the USDA inspection mark. The food safety authorities advised restaurants and other establishments not to use or serve these products. Also read: US CDC advises people to avoid eating deli meat as it probes Listeria outbreak They should be discarded or returned to the point of purchase, they said. What is Listeria? Listeria monocytogenes is a bacteria that can cause the serious infection known as listeriosis. In rare cases, listeriosis can lead to sudden death. It can affect people of all ages, particularly pregnant women, newborns, old people and those with weak immunity. The bacteria is often present in contaminated food, particularly off-the-counter and ready-to-eat meats and sweets. Listeria can be found in unpasterused milk and dairy products as well as some fish and seafood products. It can sustain itself in low temperatures, even inside refrigerators and freezers, making it difficult to trace or eradicate. Also, what makes it difficult to detect is that the contaminated food might appear and smell normal. Listerioisis can lead to serious health issues. It is known to cause menigitis, miscarriages, premature deliveray and stillbirth. Also read: Cadbury recalls products in UK over fears they might cause ‘rare but dangerous’ disease Preventive methods against listeria inlcude heating or cooking food thoroughly, and avoiding contaminated or risky food items, particularly pre-cooked or ready-to-eat ones. It may take up to 70 days for the symptoms to show. Symptoms include vomiting, nausea, fever, msucle pain, head ache, and stiff neck. If you suspect that you've consumed listeria-infected food, immediately seek medical attention. Treatment varies depending on severity of infection. Mild infection can be treated with rest and fluid intake. Severe cases might require antibiotic treatment and hospitalisation. (With inputs from agencies)

What is listeria? 10mn pounds of meat, poultry recalled in US over fears of outbreak. What you should know

A new study has uncovered a potential link between chemicals used in food packaging and a higher risk of breast cancer. Substances like bisphenols and phthalates, frequently found in plastic and other packaging materials, have been shown to interfere with hormonal activity, possibly leading to the formation of cancerous cells. Health experts are now advocating for greater awareness and stricter regulations to reduce consumer exposure to these dangerous chemicals.

Food Packaging Chemicals Linked to Increased Breast Cancer Risk, Study Finds

More than 3,600 chemicals used in food packaging or preparation have been detected in human bodies, according to a study published on Tuesday (Sep 17). Some are said to be&nbsp;hazardous to health, while very little is known about others.&nbsp;

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The lead study author, Birgit Geueke from the Food Packaging Forum Foundation, said that around 100 of these chemicals are considered a high concern to human health. Some of these chemicals, like PFAS and bisphenol A, are relatively well-studied and have already been found in human bodies.&nbsp;Both of these chemicals have been&nbsp;targeted by bans.&nbsp;

Geueke told news agency AFP that less information is known about the health effects of other chemicals and has asked for more research into how chemicals used for packaging are being swallowed with food. The researchers had previously said there were&nbsp;about 14,000 food contact chemicals (FCCs) chemicals, which can migrate into the food from packaging made of paper, glass, metal, or plastic. The chemicals can also come from other parts of the preparation project, such as utensils or conveyor belts.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/215-of-649-pages-are-just-children-gaza-health-ministry-releases-names-of-israel-hamas-war-victims-759752">Israel-Hamas war: Gaza ministry releases 649 page list of Palestinian victims</a>

The researchers searched for these chemicals in existing biomonitoring databases, and the team was expecting to find a few hundred FFCs, but they were shocked to find 3,601 – a quarter of all the existing FFCs.&nbsp;The lead author of the study&nbsp;emphasised that the research&nbsp;could not conclude that all these chemicals necessarily ended up in human bodies from food packaging, other exposure sources can also be responsible for this.&nbsp;

Bisphenol A, a hormone-disrupting chemical which is used to make plastics, was also&nbsp;found. The chemical in question is already banned from baby bottles in many countries.

Another chemical found is phthalates, which is linked to infertility. There is very little information about oligomers, the byproducts of plastic production. Geueke said: "There is almost no evidence on the health effects of these chemicals.”&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-says-will-meet-fantastic-indian-pm-narendra-modi-next-week-759639">Donald Trump says will meet 'fantastic' Indian PM Narendra Modi next week</a>

<h2>Limitations of the study</h2>

Geueke acknowledged that the limitation of the study was that it could not say whether there were high concentrations of any of the chemicals. However, she warned that these chemicals migrate from plastic to food, pointing to a single sample that had up to 30 different chemicals.

The study is published in the Journal of Exposure Science and Environmental Epidemiology.

(With inputs from agencies)

More than 3,600 chemicals used in food packaging or preparation have been detected in human bodies, according to a study published on Tuesday (Sep 17). Some are said to be hazardous to health, while very little is known about others.

More than 3,600 chemicals used in food packaging or preparation have been detected in human bodies, according to a study published on Tuesday (Sep 17). Some are said to be hazardous to health, while very little is known about others. The lead study author, Birgit Geueke from the Food Packaging Forum Foundation, said that around 100 of these chemicals are considered a high concern to human health. Some of these chemicals, like PFAS and bisphenol A, are relatively well-studied and have already been found in human bodies. Both of these chemicals have been targeted by bans. Geueke told news agency AFP that less information is known about the health effects of other chemicals and has asked for more research into how chemicals used for packaging are being swallowed with food. The researchers had previously said there were about 14,000 food contact chemicals (FCCs) chemicals, which can migrate into the food from packaging made of paper, glass, metal, or plastic. The chemicals can also come from other parts of the preparation project, such as utensils or conveyor belts. Also Read | Israel-Hamas war: Gaza ministry releases 649 page list of Palestinian victims The researchers searched for these chemicals in existing biomonitoring databases, and the team was expecting to find a few hundred FFCs, but they were shocked to find 3,601 – a quarter of all the existing FFCs. The lead author of the study emphasised that the research could not conclude that all these chemicals necessarily ended up in human bodies from food packaging, other exposure sources can also be responsible for this. Bisphenol A, a hormone-disrupting chemical which is used to make plastics, was also found. The chemical in question is already banned from baby bottles in many countries. Another chemical found is phthalates, which is linked to infertility. There is very little information about oligomers, the byproducts of plastic production. Geueke said: "There is almost no evidence on the health effects of these chemicals.” Also Read | Donald Trump says will meet 'fantastic' Indian PM Narendra Modi next week Limitations of the study Geueke acknowledged that the limitation of the study was that it could not say whether there were high concentrations of any of the chemicals. However, she warned that these chemicals migrate from plastic to food, pointing to a single sample that had up to 30 different chemicals. The study is published in the Journal of Exposure Science and Environmental Epidemiology. (With inputs from agencies)

Scientists have found more than 3,600 food packaging chemicals in human bodies

The minty taste of Golgappa (also known as pani puri) — the popular bite-size chaat consisting of a hollow, crispy-fried puffed ball filled with potato, chickpeas, onions, spices, and spicy, tangy flavoured water — reigns supreme on the taste palettes of people in and beyond the Indian subcontinent. But now the food safety officials in the southern state of Karnataka found shocking results after testing samples of pani puri.

About 22 per cent of the pani puri samples collected by the food safety officials failed to meet the required safety criteria.&nbsp;

Of the 260 samples that were collected, 41 of them had artificial colouring and cancer-causing substances. The other 18&nbsp;samples were not fit for human consumption.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/web-stories/trending/6-musttry-mumbai-street-foods-1707726216605">6 Must-Try Mumbai Street Foods</a>

Srinivas K, the commissioner for food safety, told the Deccan Herald newspaper: "We received many complaints about the quality of pani puri that is served in streets across the state. We collected samples from roadside stalls to decent restaurants from all over the state. Many samples were found in a stale state and unfit for human consumption."&nbsp;

The food safety officials&nbsp;found chemicals such as tartrazine, brilliant blue, and sunset yellow, which can cause several health issues.

Also watch |&nbsp;Finger found in Ice Cream, followed by disturbing animal find in deliveries

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The food colouring substance Rhodamine-B, which is frequently used in dishes&nbsp;like gobi manchurian and cotton candy, was previously banned by the Karnataka government.&nbsp;

Dinesh Gundu Rao, the Karnataka health minister, has previously warned that vendors using these substances in their eateries will face severe consequences.

Rao said earlier that the state's food safety is its top concern. More street food outlets are expected to face inspections to determine whether colouring agents are being used by&nbsp;them.&nbsp;

In February, the Tamil Nadu government also outlawed the sale and consumption of cotton candy after the officials found hazardous levels of textile dye and Rhodamine-B in the&nbsp;samples inspected.

(With inputs from agencies)

The minty taste of Golgappa (also known as pani puri) — the popular bite-size chaat consisting of a hollow, crispy-fried puffed ball filled with potato, chickpeas, onions, spices, and spicy, tangy flavoured water — reigns supreme on the taste palettes of people in and beyond the Indian subcontinent.

The minty taste of Golgappa (also known as pani puri) — the popular bite-size chaat consisting of a hollow, crispy-fried puffed ball filled with potato, chickpeas, onions, spices, and spicy, tangy flavoured water — reigns supreme on the taste palettes of people in and beyond the Indian subcontinent. But now the food safety officials in the southern state of Karnataka found shocking results after testing samples of pani puri. About 22 per cent of the pani puri samples collected by the food safety officials failed to meet the required safety criteria. Of the 260 samples that were collected, 41 of them had artificial colouring and cancer-causing substances. The other 18 samples were not fit for human consumption. Also read | 6 Must-Try Mumbai Street Foods Srinivas K, the commissioner for food safety, told the Deccan Herald newspaper: "We received many complaints about the quality of pani puri that is served in streets across the state. We collected samples from roadside stalls to decent restaurants from all over the state. Many samples were found in a stale state and unfit for human consumption." The food safety officials found chemicals such as tartrazine, brilliant blue, and sunset yellow, which can cause several health issues. Also watch | Finger found in Ice Cream, followed by disturbing animal find in deliveries × The food colouring substance Rhodamine-B, which is frequently used in dishes like gobi manchurian and cotton candy, was previously banned by the Karnataka government. Dinesh Gundu Rao, the Karnataka health minister, has previously warned that vendors using these substances in their eateries will face severe consequences. Rao said earlier that the state's food safety is its top concern. More street food outlets are expected to face inspections to determine whether colouring agents are being used by them. In February, the Tamil Nadu government also outlawed the sale and consumption of cotton candy after the officials found hazardous levels of textile dye and Rhodamine-B in the samples inspected. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian officials find cancer-causing substance in Golgappa samples

Earlier this month, a Mumbai man was left shell-shocked when he found a severed human finger inside an ice cream cone. The picture of the ice cream cone with a human finger inside it soon did rounds on social media, raising concerns about food and packaging safety.&nbsp;

The police were swift to take action against Yummo Ice Cream, from where the ice cream was ordered by Orlem Brendan Serrao, 26, who registered a case against the company at the Malad Police Station on June 12.

Now, a DNA report has revealed that the finger belonged to Omkar Pote who is an assistant manager at Fortune Company in Pune. While packing the ice cream on May 11, Pote lost part of his middle finger on his right hand. The manufacturing date on the ice cream cone matches the date of the incident. Following this discovery, the Mumbai Police filed a negligence case against Fortune Company.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/half-of-indias-population-falls-short-on-physical-activity-study-735284">About Half of India's population falls short on physical activity: Study</a>

On June 12, Malad resident Orlem Brendan Serrao, 26, was eating a butterscotch ice cream ordered online by his sister when he sensed something unusual. Upon inspection, he found a human finger inside the ice cream. Serrao initially lodged a complaint with the ice cream company via Instagram but informed the police when he received no response.

The “human organ” found in the ice cream was then sent to Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL).

A case was registered against the ice cream company, under sections 272, 273, and 336 of the Indian Penal Code, Senior Police Officer, Ravi Adane said. As per some reports, the human finger found in the ice cream cone was about 2 cm long.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ice-cream-horror-mumbai-woman-found-human-finger-inside-ice-cream-police-probe-on-731343">Ice cream horror: Mumbai man finds human finger inside ice cream, police probe underway</a>

Responding to the incident, Fortune Dairy's owner, Manoj Tupe, said his company is cooperating with the inquiry and awaiting the DNA test results. He mentioned that multiple units, including those in Ghaziabad and Jaipur, are involved in ice cream cone filling and that government teams have been sent to these locations for further verification.

Later, Yummo Ice Creams issued a statement, saying, “We have stopped manufacturing at this third-party facility, isolated the said product at the facility and our warehouses, and are in the process of doing the same at the market level. Product quality and safety is our highest priority, we were in the process of addressing the situation. Meanwhile, the matter was escalated, and an official police complaint was filed by the customer."

(With inputs from agencies)

Earlier this month, a Mumbai man was left shell-shocked when he found a severed human finger inside an ice cream cone. The picture of the ice cream cone with a human finger inside it soon did rounds on social media, raising concerns about food and packaging safety.

Earlier this month, a Mumbai man was left shell-shocked when he found a severed human finger inside an ice cream cone. The picture of the ice cream cone with a human finger inside it soon did rounds on social media, raising concerns about food and packaging safety. The police were swift to take action against Yummo Ice Cream, from where the ice cream was ordered by Orlem Brendan Serrao, 26, who registered a case against the company at the Malad Police Station on June 12. Now, a DNA report has revealed that the finger belonged to Omkar Pote who is an assistant manager at Fortune Company in Pune. While packing the ice cream on May 11, Pote lost part of his middle finger on his right hand. The manufacturing date on the ice cream cone matches the date of the incident. Following this discovery, the Mumbai Police filed a negligence case against Fortune Company. Also Read | About Half of India's population falls short on physical activity: Study On June 12, Malad resident Orlem Brendan Serrao, 26, was eating a butterscotch ice cream ordered online by his sister when he sensed something unusual. Upon inspection, he found a human finger inside the ice cream. Serrao initially lodged a complaint with the ice cream company via Instagram but informed the police when he received no response. The “human organ” found in the ice cream was then sent to Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL). A case was registered against the ice cream company, under sections 272, 273, and 336 of the Indian Penal Code, Senior Police Officer, Ravi Adane said. As per some reports, the human finger found in the ice cream cone was about 2 cm long. Also Read | Ice cream horror: Mumbai man finds human finger inside ice cream, police probe underway Responding to the incident, Fortune Dairy's owner, Manoj Tupe, said his company is cooperating with the inquiry and awaiting the DNA test results. He mentioned that multiple units, including those in Ghaziabad and Jaipur, are involved in ice cream cone filling and that government teams have been sent to these locations for further verification. Later, Yummo Ice Creams issued a statement, saying, “We have stopped manufacturing at this third-party facility, isolated the said product at the facility and our warehouses, and are in the process of doing the same at the market level. Product quality and safety is our highest priority, we were in the process of addressing the situation. Meanwhile, the matter was escalated, and an official police complaint was filed by the customer." (With inputs from agencies)

Finger found in ice cream cone belongs to factory staff; new details revealed in Mumbai case

In yet another alarming food incident, a resident of Jamnagar in India's Gujarat state found a fried frog inside a packet of wafers. Jasmin Patel, a resident of Pushkardham Society, said his nine-year-old niece bought the packet of Balaji Wafers from a nearby shop at 8 pm on Tuesday (Jun 18). After opening it and eating several pieces from the packet, they were left shocked upon finding a fried frog inside it.

They discarded the packet and went to the shop owner immediately to raise a complaint. After receiving an unsatisfactory response, he called up the customer care executive of Balaji Wafers. According to Patel, "A lady&nbsp;picked up the phone and she told me that I am free to take any action I want."

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjVxf-kv-mGAxW9sFYBHYryAGkQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-noida-woman-finds-centipede-in-ice-cream-ordered-online-what-could-have-happened-next-732114" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-noida-woman-finds-centipede-in-ice-cream-ordered-online-what-could-have-happened-next-732114&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjVxf-kv-mGAxW9sFYBHYryAGkQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE">India: Noida woman finds centipede in ice cream ordered online. What could have happened next?</a>

Patel subsequently informed the Jamnagar Municipal Corporation Food Branch and reported the food incident. The&nbsp;food branch officials later visited Patel's house and collected a sample from the packet. After confirming the presence of a frog inside the packet, they opened a probe and took samples from other packets of the same batch. An investigation is underway to determine how the contamination occurred.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwi_q8ifv-mGAxW4sVYBHV3NDWwQxfQBKAB6BAgVEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-food-war-why-goa-towns-are-banning-indo-chinese-gobi-manchurian-687523" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-food-war-why-goa-towns-are-banning-indo-chinese-gobi-manchurian-687523&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi_q8ifv-mGAxW4sVYBHV3NDWwQxfQBKAB6BAgVEAE">Food war: Why are Goa towns banning Indo-Chinese ‘gobi’ manchurian?</a>

"We got a complaint on phone by a customer Jasmin Patel, who bought Balaji's simple crunchy salted wafer and found a dead frog. We have come to the shop from where he purchased this wafer packet and seeing the packet, it looks like it was a frog inside the packet. We are taking samples of wafers of the same batch number from the distribution agency for laboratory test," D B Parmar, a food safety officer of JMC, was quoted as saying by the Times of India.

Balaji Wafers, meanwhile, has reiterated its commitment towards food hygiene and said it will fully cooperate with the authorities as the investigation continues.

Jay Sachdev, the marketing manager of Balaji Wafers, said it was "not possible" for someone to find a frog inside the packet.

"We maintain complete hygiene while producing the snacks in our factory and it's not possible to find frogs inside our snack packet. We allow visitation of our plants to the students every week. If JMC starts an investigation we will fully cooperate," he said.

(With inputs from agencies)

In yet another alarming food incident, a resident of Jamnagar in India's Gujarat state found a fried frog inside a packet of wafers. Jasmin Patel, a resident of Pushkardham Society, said his nine-year-old niece bought the packet of Balaji Wafers from a nearby shop at 8 pm on Tuesday (Jun 18).

In yet another alarming food incident, a resident of Jamnagar in India's Gujarat state found a fried frog inside a packet of wafers. Jasmin Patel, a resident of Pushkardham Society, said his nine-year-old niece bought the packet of Balaji Wafers from a nearby shop at 8 pm on Tuesday (Jun 18). After opening it and eating several pieces from the packet, they were left shocked upon finding a fried frog inside it. They discarded the packet and went to the shop owner immediately to raise a complaint. After receiving an unsatisfactory response, he called up the customer care executive of Balaji Wafers. According to Patel, "A lady picked up the phone and she told me that I am free to take any action I want." Also read: India: Noida woman finds centipede in ice cream ordered online. What could have happened next? Patel subsequently informed the Jamnagar Municipal Corporation Food Branch and reported the food incident. The food branch officials later visited Patel's house and collected a sample from the packet. After confirming the presence of a frog inside the packet, they opened a probe and took samples from other packets of the same batch. An investigation is underway to determine how the contamination occurred. Also read: Food war: Why are Goa towns banning Indo-Chinese ‘gobi’ manchurian? "We got a complaint on phone by a customer Jasmin Patel, who bought Balaji's simple crunchy salted wafer and found a dead frog. We have come to the shop from where he purchased this wafer packet and seeing the packet, it looks like it was a frog inside the packet. We are taking samples of wafers of the same batch number from the distribution agency for laboratory test," D B Parmar, a food safety officer of JMC, was quoted as saying by the Times of India. Balaji Wafers, meanwhile, has reiterated its commitment towards food hygiene and said it will fully cooperate with the authorities as the investigation continues. Jay Sachdev, the marketing manager of Balaji Wafers, said it was "not possible" for someone to find a frog inside the packet. "We maintain complete hygiene while producing the snacks in our factory and it's not possible to find frogs inside our snack packet. We allow visitation of our plants to the students every week. If JMC starts an investigation we will fully cooperate," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Gujarat resident left shocked after finding fried frog inside packet of wafers, probe launched

In a tragic incident in the Indian state of Kerala, one woman died and nearly 180 others were hospitalised after reportedly suffering from food poisoning after eating a biryani-like dish at a restaurant in the state’s Thrissur district.&nbsp;

<h2>What we know about the incident</h2>

A woman, identified as Usaiba hailing from Perinjanam died early Tuesday (May 28) while she was being treated at the Thrissur Medical College for severe stomach pain and vomiting, reported PTI.&nbsp;

Usaiba who was said to be in her 50s along with two of her relatives had sought medical help after eating at a local restaurant in the Perinjanam region.&nbsp;

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She and as many as 178 others were admitted to the hospital due to complaints of diarrhoea, vomiting, fever, and other issues.&nbsp;

<h2>What have the officials said?</h2>

The Health Department officials along with the Food Safety Department, Panchayat authorities, and the police conducted an inspection of the eatery.&nbsp;

Health officials believe that the food poisoning was caused by mayonnaise which was served with a dish called “kuzhimanthi”.&nbsp;

Kuzhimanthi is a version of a Yemeni dish featuring flavoured rice and meat, sold in most of the non-vegetarian restaurants in Kerala.

The restaurant was closed after 178 people were diagnosed with food poisoning after eating the biryani-like dish at the eatery reportedly on Saturday (May 25) evening.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajkot-gaming-zone-fire-case-these-incidents-occur-owner-laughingly-tells-court-726252">Rajkot fire case: Owner laughs off in court, another confirmed dead in May 25 tragedy</a>

An officer from the Kaipamangalam police station told news agency PTI that the restaurant has been sealed since the incident. Meanwhile, the Panchayat officials have vowed to take strict action against the restaurant.&nbsp;

“Residents of Perinjanam and Kaypamangalam are in the hospital. They have been admitted to various hospitals in Kodungallur and Iringalakuda,” said Vineeta Mohandas, Panchayat President, as quoted by Times Now.&nbsp;

Media reports citing officials also said that the restaurant was operating under unsanitary conditions.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

In a tragic incident in the Indian state of Kerala, one woman died and nearly 180 others were hospitalised after reportedly suffering from food poisoning after eating a biryani-like dish at a restaurant in the state’s Thrissur district.

In a tragic incident in the Indian state of Kerala, one woman died and nearly 180 others were hospitalised after reportedly suffering from food poisoning after eating a biryani-like dish at a restaurant in the state’s Thrissur district. What we know about the incident A woman, identified as Usaiba hailing from Perinjanam died early Tuesday (May 28) while she was being treated at the Thrissur Medical College for severe stomach pain and vomiting, reported PTI. Usaiba who was said to be in her 50s along with two of her relatives had sought medical help after eating at a local restaurant in the Perinjanam region. Also Read | PM Narendra Modi reveals plans post campaigning; this is what he'll do while awaiting Lok Sabha polls results She and as many as 178 others were admitted to the hospital due to complaints of diarrhoea, vomiting, fever, and other issues. What have the officials said? The Health Department officials along with the Food Safety Department, Panchayat authorities, and the police conducted an inspection of the eatery. Health officials believe that the food poisoning was caused by mayonnaise which was served with a dish called “kuzhimanthi”. Kuzhimanthi is a version of a Yemeni dish featuring flavoured rice and meat, sold in most of the non-vegetarian restaurants in Kerala. The restaurant was closed after 178 people were diagnosed with food poisoning after eating the biryani-like dish at the eatery reportedly on Saturday (May 25) evening. Also Read | Rajkot fire case: Owner laughs off in court, another confirmed dead in May 25 tragedy An officer from the Kaipamangalam police station told news agency PTI that the restaurant has been sealed since the incident. Meanwhile, the Panchayat officials have vowed to take strict action against the restaurant. “Residents of Perinjanam and Kaypamangalam are in the hospital. They have been admitted to various hospitals in Kodungallur and Iringalakuda,” said Vineeta Mohandas, Panchayat President, as quoted by Times Now. Media reports citing officials also said that the restaurant was operating under unsanitary conditions. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Kerala woman dies, nearly 180 hospitalised after eating biryani-like dish at Thrissur restaurant

A California man has sued candy maker Mars for allegedly using a "known toxin" to give its candy Skittles, its famous rainbow colours. Attorneys representing Jenile Thames a resident of San Leandro claimed that Skittles are dangerous for "human consumption" because they contain "heightened levels" of titanium dioxide. The lawsuit, which demands for class-action status was filed on Thursday in the US District Court for the Northern District of California. The complaint said that although the candy manufacturer publicly announced its plan to stop using titanium dioxide in its products in 2016, titanium dioxide is still present in items like Skittles today.

Watch |&nbsp;Fentanyl overdose major concern in the US as its easy availability causes an alarm

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Mars Inc. uses titanium dioxide for its well-known rainbow of synthetic pigments seen in Skittles.

The lawsuit claims that titanium dioxide, which is used in paint, adhesives, plastics, and roofing materials, can harm DNA, the brain, and other organs, as well as induce liver and kidney lesions.

In May, EFSA’s (European Food Safety Authority) expert Panel on Food Additives and Flavourings (FAF), had said: “Taking into account all available scientific studies and data, the Panel concluded that titanium dioxide can no longer be considered safe as a food additive."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/california-first-of-its-kind-proposal-will-no-longer-let-parents-sue-social-media-companies-497982" hreflang="en">California: First-of-its-kind proposal will no longer let parents sue social media companies</a>

As per Reuters, the complainant is seeking unspecified monetary damages for fraud and violations of California consumer protection laws.

In a statement to TODAY and several other news outlets, Mars said: “While we do not comment on pending litigation, our use of titanium dioxide complies with FDA regulations.”

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/human-rights-vs-elections-who-wins-bidens-support-for-human-rights-can-be-sold-for-a-smidgen-of-oil-498106" hreflang="en">Human rights vs elections: Who wins? Biden's 'support for human rights can be sold for a smidgen of oil'</a>

Thames, the complainant, claimed that he purchased Skittles from a nearby QuikStop in April and that he would not have done so had he realised what was inside the candy.

He further claimed that reading the label would not have been helpful because it is difficult to read the ingredients on Skittles' bright red packaging.

(With inputs from agencies)

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A California man has sued candy maker Mars for allegedly using a "known toxin" to give its candy Skittles, its famous rainbow colours. Attorneys representing Jenile Thames a resident of San Leandro claimed that Skittles are dangerous for "human consumption" because they contain "heightened levels" of titanium dioxide.

A California man has sued candy maker Mars for allegedly using a "known toxin" to give its candy Skittles, its famous rainbow colours. Attorneys representing Jenile Thames a resident of San Leandro claimed that Skittles are dangerous for "human consumption" because they contain "heightened levels" of titanium dioxide. The lawsuit, which demands for class-action status was filed on Thursday in the US District Court for the Northern District of California. The complaint said that although the candy manufacturer publicly announced its plan to stop using titanium dioxide in its products in 2016, titanium dioxide is still present in items like Skittles today. Watch | Fentanyl overdose major concern in the US as its easy availability causes an alarm Mars Inc. uses titanium dioxide for its well-known rainbow of synthetic pigments seen in Skittles. The lawsuit claims that titanium dioxide, which is used in paint, adhesives, plastics, and roofing materials, can harm DNA, the brain, and other organs, as well as induce liver and kidney lesions. In May, EFSA’s (European Food Safety Authority) expert Panel on Food Additives and Flavourings (FAF), had said: “Taking into account all available scientific studies and data, the Panel concluded that titanium dioxide can no longer be considered safe as a food additive." Also read | California: First-of-its-kind proposal will no longer let parents sue social media companies As per Reuters, the complainant is seeking unspecified monetary damages for fraud and violations of California consumer protection laws. In a statement to TODAY and several other news outlets, Mars said: “While we do not comment on pending litigation, our use of titanium dioxide complies with FDA regulations.” Also read | Human rights vs elections: Who wins? Biden's 'support for human rights can be sold for a smidgen of oil' Thames, the complainant, claimed that he purchased Skittles from a nearby QuikStop in April and that he would not have done so had he realised what was inside the candy. He further claimed that reading the label would not have been helpful because it is difficult to read the ingredients on Skittles' bright red packaging. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION LIVE HERE: You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Taste the 'rainbow' or toxins?: Skittles sued for using colours known to be 'unfit for human consumption'

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/malaysia-offers-to-buy-more-imports-from-india-after-threat-of-palm-oil-curbs-256078">Malaysia</a>, the second-biggest producer and exporter of palm oil after Indonesia, will enforce regulations to ensure that by 2021 its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesian-palm-oil-executive-arrested-over-journalist-killings-260987">palm oil </a>meets new food safety standards under consideration by the European Union, a minister said on Tuesday.

The EU is considering setting new limits by an as-yet-unspecified date on food contaminants in refined fats and oils and is discussing imposing a safety level for so-called 3-MCPD esters found in palm oil.

The European Food Safety Authority has said the esters raise potential health concerns.

"The palm oil industry in Malaysia has been instructed (by the government) to adhere to the EU-prescribed level of 3-MCPDE of 2.5 ppm for food products by 2021," Malaysia's minister of primary industries, Teresa Kok, told an industry event, referring to contaminants in milligrams per kilo of oil.

"We are now in the process of enforcing several regulations to ensure that palm oil produced meets the acceptable safety level for 3-MCPDE."

Malaysia last month said new EU rules could hurt demand for palm oil in food - which accounts for nearly 70 per cent of&nbsp;global consumption of the oil, and where it is used in products such as bread and chocolate spread.

The $60 billion palm industry is often blamed for stripping tropical rainforest, and the EU this year introduced a law to phase out palm oil from renewable fuel by 2030 due to deforestation concerns. Malaysia and Indonesia have said they plan to challenge the law at the World Trade Organisation.

The EU biodiesel market is worth an estimated 9 billion euros ($10 billion) a year.

"Despite our best efforts, if certain importing countries choose to impose discriminatory trade barriers against palm oil-producing countries, we must not keep silent nor hesitate to take countermeasures," Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said at the same event on Tuesday.

Kok said 60 per cent&nbsp;of the country's total oil palm planted area had received the Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) certification, which requires growers to meet certain standards regarding environmental protection and workers' rights.

The Southeast Asian country aims for 70 per cent&nbsp;oil palm areas to have received MSPO certification by February, Kok said.

She reiterated the Malaysian Palm Oil Board's warning of legal action or licence cancellation if palm mills and growers with plantations of 100 acres and more are not certified by January&nbsp;1.

Kok said on Monday certification among smallholder farmers, who account for nearly 40 per cent&nbsp;of Malaysia's total palm oil production, was particularly low because of concerns they would not be able to recover the high costs of complying with the regulations.

Malaysia, the second-biggest producer and exporter of palm oil after Indonesia, will enforce regulations to ensure that by 2021 its palm oil meets new food safety standards under consideration by the European Union, a minister said on Tuesday.

Malaysia, the second-biggest producer and exporter of palm oil after Indonesia, will enforce regulations to ensure that by 2021 its palm oil meets new food safety standards under consideration by the European Union, a minister said on Tuesday. The EU is considering setting new limits by an as-yet-unspecified date on food contaminants in refined fats and oils and is discussing imposing a safety level for so-called 3-MCPD esters found in palm oil. The European Food Safety Authority has said the esters raise potential health concerns. "The palm oil industry in Malaysia has been instructed (by the government) to adhere to the EU-prescribed level of 3-MCPDE of 2.5 ppm for food products by 2021," Malaysia's minister of primary industries, Teresa Kok, told an industry event, referring to contaminants in milligrams per kilo of oil. "We are now in the process of enforcing several regulations to ensure that palm oil produced meets the acceptable safety level for 3-MCPDE." Malaysia last month said new EU rules could hurt demand for palm oil in food - which accounts for nearly 70 per cent of global consumption of the oil, and where it is used in products such as bread and chocolate spread. The $60 billion palm industry is often blamed for stripping tropical rainforest, and the EU this year introduced a law to phase out palm oil from renewable fuel by 2030 due to deforestation concerns. Malaysia and Indonesia have said they plan to challenge the law at the World Trade Organisation. The EU biodiesel market is worth an estimated 9 billion euros ($10 billion) a year. "Despite our best efforts, if certain importing countries choose to impose discriminatory trade barriers against palm oil-producing countries, we must not keep silent nor hesitate to take countermeasures," Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said at the same event on Tuesday. Kok said 60 per cent of the country's total oil palm planted area had received the Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) certification, which requires growers to meet certain standards regarding environmental protection and workers' rights. The Southeast Asian country aims for 70 per cent oil palm areas to have received MSPO certification by February, Kok said. She reiterated the Malaysian Palm Oil Board's warning of legal action or licence cancellation if palm mills and growers with plantations of 100 acres and more are not certified by January 1. Kok said on Monday certification among smallholder farmers, who account for nearly 40 per cent of Malaysia's total palm oil production, was particularly low because of concerns they would not be able to recover the high costs of complying with the regulations.

Malaysian palm oil to meet new European Union food safety levels by 2021: Minister

As part of 'Eat Right India'&nbsp;campaign, the Central food regulator - Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has trained over 1.7 lakh food safety supervisors who will spread awareness and sensitise people and food vendors on food safety.

Launching the campaign&nbsp;on Thursday, Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan emphasised upon the need for a "public movement" to spread awareness.

"Our country is in need of a 'Jan Andolan'&nbsp;on preventive and promotive health for all in the backdrop of the increasing burden of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and heart diseases.

The Eat Right India movement with the collaboration of FSSAI will play a crucial role in preventive healthcare," said Harsh Vardhan.

"FSSAI has trained about 1.7 lakh Food Safety Supervisors for capacity building under the Food Safety Training and Certification (FoSTaC) initiative. They will sensitise people and food vendors on food safety," he said.

Harsh Vardhan added that we have to reach the target of trans-fat free India by 2022.

"Hence, regulations to reduce trans-fats to less than 2 per cent in all oils, fats and food products are in place."

FSSAI has put in place robust regulatory measures under three major pillars -&nbsp;Eat Safe, Eat Health and Eat Sustainably.

"By promoting sustainability, FSSAI has removed the restriction on the use of returnable bottles and is promoting the use of bamboo instead of plastics," he said.

Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh, Regional Director, World Health Organization (WHO), said, "The Eat Right India movement by FSSAI now has been put into action. Mortality from non-communicable diseases is not only witnessed in India, but also across the world. The four main factors to prevent non-communicable diseases are healthy diet, physical exercise, avoidance of tobacco and alcohol."

"Therefore, the message of 'Eat Right'&nbsp;should be promoted everywhere. Let us take the Eat Right India movement forward in mission mode," she said&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

As part of 'Eat Right India' campaign, the Central food regulator - Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has trained over 1.7 lakh food safety supervisors who will spread awareness and sensitise people and food vendors on food safety.

As part of 'Eat Right India' campaign, the Central food regulator - Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has trained over 1.7 lakh food safety supervisors who will spread awareness and sensitise people and food vendors on food safety. Launching the campaign on Thursday, Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan emphasised upon the need for a "public movement" to spread awareness. "Our country is in need of a 'Jan Andolan' on preventive and promotive health for all in the backdrop of the increasing burden of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and heart diseases. The Eat Right India movement with the collaboration of FSSAI will play a crucial role in preventive healthcare," said Harsh Vardhan. "FSSAI has trained about 1.7 lakh Food Safety Supervisors for capacity building under the Food Safety Training and Certification (FoSTaC) initiative. They will sensitise people and food vendors on food safety," he said. Harsh Vardhan added that we have to reach the target of trans-fat free India by 2022. "Hence, regulations to reduce trans-fats to less than 2 per cent in all oils, fats and food products are in place." FSSAI has put in place robust regulatory measures under three major pillars - Eat Safe, Eat Health and Eat Sustainably. "By promoting sustainability, FSSAI has removed the restriction on the use of returnable bottles and is promoting the use of bamboo instead of plastics," he said. Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh, Regional Director, World Health Organization (WHO), said, "The Eat Right India movement by FSSAI now has been put into action. Mortality from non-communicable diseases is not only witnessed in India, but also across the world. The four main factors to prevent non-communicable diseases are healthy diet, physical exercise, avoidance of tobacco and alcohol." "Therefore, the message of 'Eat Right' should be promoted everywhere. Let us take the Eat Right India movement forward in mission mode," she said

Over 1.7 lakh supervisors trained to ensure food safety: Harsh Vardhan

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