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Mumbai, Jan 22 The Solvent Extractors’ Association of India (SEAI) has opposed the Maharashtra Government’s inclusion of stringent provisions to the PFA (Prevention of Food Adulteration) Act.

The Government has amended the Act to make all offences punishable under the PFA Act as cognizable and non-bailable. “A police officer can arrest any person without warrant for even a minor offence punishable under the PFA Act. This amendment is therefore strongly objectionable,” said Mr Ashok Sethia, President, SEAI.

The move will give free hand to food inspectors and police officers to prosecute any manufacturer or trader, without scrutiny of papers, investigation, etc, he added.

The SEAI has formed a committee and has sent a memorandum to the State Government requesting it not to enforce the proposed amendment without consulting food law experts, the FDA (Food and Drug Authorities) and consumers associations.

The Central Government has already enacted the Food Safety Act and the President has given assent. The Act clearly differentiates sub-standard and minor contraventions such as labelling provisions, Mr Sethia said.

More Stories on : Foods & Food Processing | Standards & Benchmarks | Policy | Maharashtra

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