Kannur: While reports of adulteration in coconut oil continue to surface elsewhere, in Kannur the highest number of complaints is related to jaggery.

 In many places across the district, jaggery laced with synthetic colours is being brought in for sale. Interestingly, not a single case of coconut oil adulteration has been reported in the district over the past two years.

This time, the Food Safety Department has sent four samples for examination, with results expected in the coming days. Tests have also revealed the presence of pesticides in samples of rice powder, maida and biriyani rice. Some brands of salt were found to lack iodine, while adulteration was also detected in samples of chilli powder. However, the general assessment is that fruits and vegetables remain relatively safe.

300 samples every month
Samples from Kannur are examined at the Government Regional Analytical Laboratory. Each of the district’s 11 circles are required to send not less than 28 samples per month, totalling around 300 samples monthly.

“The Food Safety Department will be intensifying special drives and night-time inspections in connection with the Onam season. Surprise checks will also be carried out,” said K Sujayan, Assistant Commissioner, District Food Safety Department