New Delhi: The High Court on Wednesday issued
notice to the Delhi government seeking its response over
artificially coloured vegetables and fruits in the markets.
A division bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra and
Justice Mammohan sought government's response by September 29
on a PIL seeking directions to the city government to take
appropriate steps for preventing the adulteration of fruits,
vegetables and pulses.
"Comprehensively, it is the duty of the state to look
into such kind of matters. This matter relates to health of
the general public which cannot be marginalised," the bench
said.
Sugriv Dubey, appearing for petitioner Salek Chandra
Jain, submitted that though the rules under the Prevention of
Food Adulteration Act were notified in the year 2000, yet the
adulteration is going on unabated.
The counsel alleged that the traders start polishing
fruits and vegetables with artificial colours to make them
appear fresh after their transportation to the markets here.
"The state is under obligation to prevent the sale of
unhygienic fruits and vegetables besides pulses," Jain pleaded
in his petition.
He said that traders make use of oxytocin in various
agricultural products for giving a fresh and shining look to
attract the consumers.
"Use of such chemicals in eatables causes cancer and
other diseases," the petitioner, said, adding that the
concerned authority failed to take any action despite making
several complaints to it since last year.
PTI
First Published: Wednesday, August 18, 2010, 16:29