Deceptive sweetness: Beware of toxic additives in your favourite food item

KOZHIKODE: A court in Thamarassery has imposed a three-month imprisonment and a fine of Rs 25,000 on an ice cream manufacturer for adding artificial colour to ice candy and selling it. The Thamarassery First Class Court imposed punishment on the establishment named Annu Ice Cream in Karassery, Mukkam for manufacturing and selling ice candy with added saccharin. This action was taken based on the inspection conducted by the Special Squad of the Food Safety Department in March 2016.

The ice candy samples collected from the institution were sent to the Analytical Laboratory in Kozhikode Malapparamba for examination. The test results revealed the presence of saccharin, and the report declared it unsafe for human consumption. Consequently, a case was filed at the Thamarassery Judicial First Class Court II.

Food Safety Assistant Commissioner A Zakir Hussain stated that adding artificial sweeteners like saccharin sodium to ice candy, ice cream, and other products is prohibited under the Food Safety and Standards (Food Additives) Regulations, 2011. Over 150 prosecution cases have been filed in various courts across the district for illegally using artificial colours.