The State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) on Friday flagged reports of rampant adulteration of food marketed in Kerala and noted that they were worrisome.
Acting chairperson, SHRC, P. Mohandas, said unscrupulous traders palmed off fish preserved using toxic chemicals, chiefly formaldehyde, to unsuspecting buyers as a fresh catch.
The quality of edible oil, rice, tea, milk, confectionaries and bottled water sold in the State were suspicious. Pesticide residue was a perennial problem in farm-grown vegetables retailed in local markets.
Random tests had shown bacteria and other harmful substances in packaged drinking water.
Echoing a complaint filed by an Oman-based family physician, Sajeev Bhaskar, Mr. Mohandas said contaminated food incrementally eroded the health of the public. It violated their fundamental right to life and increased the State’s disease burden.
He issued notices to the Health, Agriculture, Tax secretaries and the Food Safety Commission, ordering them to report in detail on the measures adopted by the government to mitigate the situation.
Mr Mohandas ordered the authorities to examine fish, milk and other edibles retailed in the State. He called for an increased vigil at check post against contaminated edibles. Mr. Mohandas also recommended harsher punishment for wilful adulterators who contaminate food to squeeze out more profits.