The Center for Science and Environment (CSE) on Friday delivered to the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) a sample of the fructose adulterant, which can pass existing quality and safety tests used by major brands. and other documents that were part of his investigation into the adulteration of honey.
The FSSAI had sought samples and other evidence. The CSE shared the sample of fructose syrup, which in the market is called “all-pass” purchased from a company in Jaspur. He also provided full correspondence with two Chinese companies from which CSE acquired samples of the adulterant along with details of the shipment of the adulterant sent by a company in China that CSE was ultimately unable to receive because it did not have the necessary permits.
On Wednesday, CSE released the results of its investigation into the adulteration of honey. The research found that 77% of the samples from the top 13 honey brands were adulterated with a modified sugar syrup to pass safety tests. The CSE found that some Chinese companies developed a syrup containing fructose, or fruit sugar, which may go unnoticed in Indian tests to determine the purity of honey.
A CSE statement said its representatives met with FSSAI officials, including President Rita Teotia and Executive Director Arun Singhal. He added that the authority has ensured that they will send the adulterant sample for further tests and will also follow up on all the contacts and details that the CSE has provided to unravel the adulteration nexus. Based on its review, FSSAI has said it will take the necessary steps to amend food standards and increase surveillance.
FSSAI responded to the exposure Thursday, saying CSE found the adulterants by using the over-the-counter Trace Marker for Rice (TMR) syrup test instead of a more sensitive Rice Specific Marker (SMR) syrup test. “It is not clear why some tests such as SMR have not been performed on samples spiked with adulterants by CSE. FSSAI has requested details of the samples and tests performed from CSE. As soon as the details are available, FSSAI will analyze them to draw conclusions about the protocols followed and suggest the improvements that are required in the testing methodology for the future, ”FSSAI said in a statement Thursday.
On Friday, FSSAI representatives asked why CSE had not asked for SMR on the samples deliberately spiked by CSE to expose adulteration. CSE sent the fortified samples to the National Dairy Development Board laboratory in Gujarat for analysis.
FSSAI officials said SMR was required to detect adulteration with rice syrup. CSE has explained that this was not the globally understood laboratory testing practice.
CSE has emphasized that the ring of adulteration must be dealt with firmly and that FSSAI must take urgent action to stop or break the nexus. “Our research has clearly established that samples adulterated by up to 50% can bypass our tests for C3 and C4 sugar. [(cane or high fructose corn syrup]”Said Sunita Narain, CEO of CSE.
“We will send samples for future research,” said an FSSAI spokesperson.
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