A food safety drive in Rudrapur has identified 14 substandard spice samples ahead of Diwali, raising concerns about the sale of loose turmeric, chilli and coriander powder in busy market areas. The samples were collected during checks by a mobile food laboratory.
The team took 84 samples from the city. These included 45 samples from major sweet shops and 39 samples of powdered spices from the vegetable market. On-the-spot testing found that all the sweets samples met the prescribed standards.
The spice checks produced a different result. Fourteen samples were found to contain colour and adulterant levels above the permitted standards. Officials said such products may pose a health risk.
Where the checks took place
The operation covered sweet shops including Mangalam, Bikaner, Navrang and Roopam, along with other establishments. The team later inspected the vegetable market and areas around Metropolis and Awas Vikas.
Officials said many loose spices are being sold near the vegetable market and meat market. The products are often kept in sacks without a brand name or expiry date. In some locations, the spice is stored close to meat and vegetables, exposing it to dust, dirt and other contamination.
According to the department, most of the substandard samples came from these outlets. Customers are also attracted by the lower prices of loose spices, officials said.
The 14 substandard samples were sealed and sent to a laboratory. Action against the concerned shopkeepers will be considered after the laboratory report is received. The initial on-site findings therefore do not represent the final laboratory outcome.
Health warning for consumers
Chief Medical Officer Dr. S.K. Goswami warned that adulterated spices can seriously affect health. He said consumers should avoid loose and unpackaged spices and choose branded, Agmark-labelled products instead.
Health officials have linked poor-quality spices with stomach irritation and food poisoning. They have also warned of possible risks to the liver and kidneys from harmful colours and chemicals.
The report specifically refers to the use of Metanil Yellow in turmeric and Sudan colour in chilli. It says prolonged consumption may weaken immunity, while children and older people may face greater harm. These health concerns were presented as warnings connected with adulterated spices, not as findings that every sample contained those substances.
Department urges buyers to keep bills
Food Department Joint Director Lalit Mohan Pandey said inspections would continue during the festive period. He appealed to consumers to avoid open and unbranded spices and to insist on a bill when making purchases.
Dr. Goswami said people who suspect adulteration can complain to the Food Safety Department or the Chief Medical Officer’s office. Consumers were also urged to take extra care with food purchases during the festival season.
Conclusion
The Rudrapur inspection found all 45 tested sweets samples within standards but identified 14 substandard spice samples among 39 tested. The samples have been sealed and sent for laboratory testing, with further action expected after the report.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How many samples were collected in Rudrapur?
A mobile food laboratory collected 84 samples, including 45 sweets samples and 39 spice samples.
Q. How many spice samples were found substandard?
Fourteen of the 39 spice samples were found substandard during the initial inspection.
Q. What types of spices were tested?
The team collected samples of turmeric, chilli and coriander powder.
Q. Did the sweets samples meet standards?
Yes. All 45 sweets samples tested at the inspected establishments met the prescribed standards.
Q. What will happen to the substandard spice samples?
The samples were sealed and sent to a laboratory. Officials said action against the concerned shopkeepers would follow the laboratory report.
Q. What advice did officials give consumers?
Consumers were asked to avoid loose and unbranded spices, buy branded and Agmark-labelled products, and take a bill.
Q. Where can consumers report suspected adulteration?
Complaints can be made to the Food Safety Department or the Chief Medical Officer’s office.
