Udaipur: A shopkeeper has issued a clarification regarding the fine imposed by the Food Safety Department on a sample of besan laddoos taken from the Bohra Ganesh Temple area. The shopkeeper clarified that the test report did not indicate any form of adulteration in the laddoos. The report only mentioned a lack of moisture, which is a natural reduction over time after the laddoos are made.
Shopkeeper’s Statement
Dinesh Joshi, the proprietor of Bohra Ganesh Mishthan, explained that when besan laddoos are fresh, they are soft. As time passes, the moisture content decreases, especially if the besan batter is made thicker. He argued that this natural reduction in moisture should not be considered adulteration, and it does not pose any health risks like food poisoning. While food safety standards specify a required level of moisture, this sample was categorized as ‘substandard’ based on this, but not ‘hazardous’ or adulterated.
Fine Due to Delay in Appeal
The shopkeeper also clarified that the fine was imposed because they missed the appeal deadline due to a lack of awareness. As a result, the fine had to be paid.
Three Basic Categories of Food Safety
- Misbranding: If a product is sold under a bogus or unregistered name, or a misleading brand name.
- Substandard: When results show slight deviations from set standards, like excess water in milk or less fat in khoya. This does not pose a health risk.
- Hazardous: Adulteration that can cause immediate or long-term health risks, with potential life-threatening consequences.
Appeal to Media
Joshi humbly appealed to the media to present factual and technical information when reporting on food safety issues. He expressed concern that in this case, the laddoos, which are offered as prasad to the deity, were unnecessarily defamed. Such situations hurt business owners, but they are often unable to voice their grievances to authorities. He urged that the media should clearly differentiate whether a food item is genuinely adulterated and harmful to health or if it’s a minor issue of naturally occurring variation.
Conclusion
This case was not one of adulteration but rather categorized as substandard due to a lack of moisture. The shopkeeper maintains that there was nothing harmful in the laddoos that could endanger health.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
