After Hyderabad-FAST crackdown, kirana merchants body asks police not to target genuine traders
The Hyderabad Kirana Merchants Association (THKMA) has said any member found involved in food adulteration or other unethical trade practices will face expulsion from the
The Hyderabad Kirana Merchants Association (THKMA) has said any member found involved in food adulteration or other unethical trade practices will face expulsion from the association and be reported to Hyderabad-Food Adulteration Surveillance Team (H-FAST) for further action. In a statement issued after an emergency general body meeting held to discuss recent food safety enforcement drives, the association said cases of alleged food adulteration and other malpractices had been noticed in Mailardevpally, Katedan, Barkas and Balapur.
It urged enforcement agencies and the police not to target genuine traders in Begum Bazar or members of the Hyderabad Kirana Merchants Association during inspections. The association president Domadar Das Vijaywargiya and secretary c said the body was firmly against food adulteration, polishing, artificial colouring, misbranding and other illegal food business practices. They said the association would neither support nor shield anyone found indulging in such activities, adding that offenders would face stringent disciplinary action, including termination of membership, and their details would be shared with H-FAST.
They appealed to members to strictly comply with the Food Safety and Standards Act and Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) regulations, while maintaining quality, hygiene and transparency in their businesses. The
association also expressed its appreciation to H-FAST, FSSAI and GHMC food safety officials for their efforts to improve food safety awareness and assured the authorities of its full cooperation in promoting ethical and law-compliant trade.
The BriefWire