Fed up with food adulteration? Call 040­21111111, or tweet @AFCGHMC; TS will take action

Hyderabad: Telangana has set up a helpline to rid the state of the food adulteration menace. Health Minister T. Harish Rao asked the people to dial 040­21111111, or tweet @AFCGHMC about food adulteration and substandard food. He said authorities will take quick action based on the complaints.

Health Minister urged people to play an active role in curbing the menace and has directed officials in the State Food Safety department to take immediate action upon receiving a complaint. Telangana Health Minister T Harish Rao also said that stringent action will be taken against those doing food adulteration, Task Force teams would conduct surprise inspections across the State.

"Those who are jeopardizing public health through food adulteration won't be spared under any circumstances," he said. He was participating in a monthly review meeting with senior health and food safety officials with the Food Safety Division of the Institute of Preventive Medicine (IPM) on Sunday. "Adulterated food leads to gastrointestinal tract disease and even cancer. The health of people would be impacted. Do not spare those who mess with the health of people. Strict action should be taken against them. There should be no pendency in cases. Task Force teams have to conduct surprise checks in districts," the Minister said.

Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said the consumption of adulterated food is leading to long-term health problems such as diabetes, hypertension, and gastrointestinal problems, while it can also lead to fatal ailments such as cancer. The department was provided with four mobile safety vans worth ₹ 2.4 crores. An upgraded food testing lab to is available. The officials were directed to put all the vehicles to use.