Deadly chemical added in hotel biryanis; Rat droppings, glass pieces in production unit

KOZHIKODE: Rose water used for cooking has been found to be laced with industrial essence containing deadly chemicals. Following the findings, the food safety department have shut down Azad Food Products, a food manufacturing unit at Nallalam in Kozhikode. The surprise inspection was carried out as part of a special drive named ‘Operation Onam.’ The officials found that the company had been using industrial grade essence--normally meant for manufacturing soaps and incense sticks (agarbathis) instead of food-grade essence in the rose water used to add fragrance to dishes such as biryani, payasam, and halwa.

The company used essence labelled as industrial use only to make food products. This chemical, which is very harmful to humans, is allowed to be used only in detergents, perfumes and cosmetics. The inspection also found that the unit where pickles and sauces were made was extremely unhygienic. Rat droppings, glass pieces and garbage were scattered here.

Health experts said that using the rose water made here can cause serious health issues including vomiting and stomach upset. Products from this unit have been distributed to various parts of the city and elsewhere. The authorities who issued a notice to the company have collected samples and have sent them to the lab for scientific tests. The food safety department has decided to tighten inspections across the district, keeping the health of the people in mind in view of Onam.