285 red wheat samples adulterated: Somaiya

Mumbai, Jan 24 (UNI) Alleging that 285 out of 682 samples of imported red wheat received from various districts in Maharashtra have been found adulterated and unfit for human consumption, former BJP MP Dr Kirit Somaiya today demanded immediate withdrawal of the same from all across the state and the country.

Talking to reporters here, Dr Somaiya said he was informed by the Food and Drug Administration officials that of the 682 samples they analysed, 285 of them were found adulterated and not conforming to standards of wheat as per PFA Rules, 1955. That means 42 per cent of the red wheat distributed and lying in state government godowns was found adulterated and not fit for human consumption.

He alleged that most of the adulterated samples were found insect damaged and/or insect infected and the uric acid content was more due to presence of living and/or dead insects. The reports of analyses would be sent to respective authorities in due course of time, he said.

The permissible limit for uric acid content in wheat sample under the provisions of PFA Rules 1955, are maximum 10 per cent (by count) and maximum 100 mg/kg respectively.

Demanding immediate withdrawal of the red wheat from all over Maharashtra and India, the senior BJP leader said his party has demanded explanation from the State Civil Supplies Minister Sunil Tatkare and Union Food and Public Distribution Minister Sharad Pawar as to how and why the wheat got contaminated? UNI JM SSS RL VC2044