Tests for artificial colours in watermelons through MFTV conducted in Kashmir's Anantnag District: However, during on spot analysis

 Food safety team Anantnag

today tested more than 30

samples of watermelon on

spot for artificial colours

through Mobile Food Test-

ing Van (MFTV) during

intensive market inspection

in view of the apprehensions

surrounding on social media

regarding availability of arti-

ficially ripened watermelon

in markets during the holy

month of Ramadan.

However, during on spot

analysis none of the samples

showed a positive test for

artificial colours.

During the drive all

the Food Busi- ness

Operators deal-

ing with fresh

fruits and veg-

etables at Fruit

and Vegetable

Mandi Ashaji-

pora and Baten-

goo Anantnag were

inspected and were warned

regarding any kind of mal-

practice in the trade.

Moreover, the team pro-

cured 25 samples of fresh

fruits and vegetables for

detailed analysis in the

Public Health Laboratory,

J&K. In addition mass aware-

ness was provided among

consumers for detection

of artificial colours

through rapid test-

ing at home.

The food safety

authorities of the dis-

trict have cautioned that

regular inspections will con-

tinue in the district to main-

tain the highest standards of

food safety and quality, and

FBOs were sternly warned to

comply with the Food Safety

and Standards Act, 2006