Close on the heels of banning Chinese firecrackers, the Central Government has decided to impose ban on the import of chocolates and all type of milk products from China this Diwali because of their inferior quality. An advisory in this regard has been issued by the Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
Chocolates and milk products from China are cheaper in prices and qualities in comparison to those from European countries. Moreover, the degree of adulteration in confectionaries intensifies during the festive season.According to reports, fake chocolates are being sold with the label of bigger brands. The Department of Food Safety of the Delhi Government found nickel and adulterated fats in some samples of chocolates imported from China, sources said. Nickel is harmful to the human body if consumed for a long period.
Department of Food Safety Commissioner KK Jindal told The Pioneer that the Government has issued advisory imposing ban on import of chocolates and milk products from China. The ban will remain in place till June 2015.
“From using inferior quality sugar to adding minerals for increasing the weight of chocolates, some manufacturers are resorting to these tricks to reap the benefits of an increase in demand during the festive season,” officials informed.Demand for chocolates as gift items has risen by over 40-50 per cent this year during the festive season, owing to skyrocketing prices of dry fruits as well as complaints of adulteration in sweets.
“The Government is taking the matter seriously and orders have been issued to lift samples of chocolates from wholesale markets and retailers for testing,” said officials.
In its bid to crack down on adulteration, the Department of Food Safety has constituted 11 teams and started conducting random raids across the city markets. On an average, 30-40 samples are being lifted daily for test.However, for the want of adequate number of staff, the Department of Food Safety is struggling to carry out the test.