The demand for food items increases during the festive season. Dates are sold in abundance especially during Ramzan. But some people are taking advantage of this and playing with people’s health. A large cache of dates which are due to expire in 2022 has been seized in Kanpur.
During festivals like Holi and Ramzan, the demand for food items skyrockets. Especially the purchase of dates increases. But in the pursuit of more profits, some people are adopting wrong paths and playing with people’s health. The same dates which give strength to the body have now become a thing that spoils health. Expired dates are being sold in the market. Those who sell old dates by putting new stickers on them are now in the hands of the authorities.
New sticker on old dates
The Food Safety Department in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh has started a campaign against adulterators. Under this, food items worth lakhs of rupees have been seized. The department team has seized dates with expiry date worth about Rs 50 lakh. Also, a large quantity of adulterated khoya and cut betel nuts were destroyed on the spot.
Officials said that substandard and adulterated goods are being sold during festivals to earn more profits. Keeping this in view, the Food Safety and Drug Administration Department has launched a special campaign in the entire city. As part of this campaign, a warehouse of a wholesaler was raided in Fazalganj area. A large quantity of poor quality food items were found there.
About 10,000 kg of old and expired dates were found in the warehouse. These dates had expired only in 2022-2023. There were preparations to sell them in the market during Ramzan. For this, new labels and stickers were being put on them. Officials have warned that expired food is dangerous for health. The items found from the warehouse have been sent for investigation. Strict action will be taken after the report comes.
In the same operation, about 675 kg of adulterated Khoya was also seized from Fazalganj area. After investigation it was destroyed on the spot. Apart from this, cut betel nuts worth about Rs 2 lakh were also seized. Officials say that the sale of sweets, dry fruits and other food items increases during festivals, hence adulterators become active. That is why this campaign is being run.
Advice for Buyers
Officials have asked people to be careful while purchasing any food item. He advised to buy something only after checking its expiry date, packing and quality.
Importance of dates in Ramzan
Dates are very beneficial during the month of Ramzan. They are rich in vitamins like sugar, potassium and magnesium. These are also a good source of fiber and carbohydrates. Eating it during fasting can relieve minor problems like headache and lethargy. But if these dates are adulterated, then there is no doubt that the health will deteriorate.