MEERUT: A food manufacturing unit in Pannapuri, Hapur, was sealed after a raid by the food safety department found it was producing tomato sauce in unhygienic conditions using vegetable pulp, acid and banned synthetic colours. Officials seized nearly 200 litres of adulterated sauce, which was allegedly sold to local eateries and street vendors for Rs 20 per litre.Food commissioner Sunil Kumar confirmed that rotten material, chemical substances and prohibited colours were at the unit. “Samples have been sent for lab test. The product appeared unsafe for consumption,” he said.The entire stock has been seized and the process to destroy it has been initiated, Kumar said, adding, “A probe has been launched to identify others involved in the supply chain and distribution network.”Kumar said strict legal action would follow based on laboratory findings. “If the samples are found unsafe for consumption, a case will be filed against the operator.” he said.The commissioner urged residents to be cautious while consuming food from roadside eateries. “People should avoid opting for unusually cheap street food, as low prices often indicate the use of substandard or adulterated ingredients. Always check for basic hygiene and the quality of products being used in food preparation. If anyone suspects adulteration or unsafe practices, they should immediately report it to the food safety department,” he said.
