Examiner Bureau | Anantnag:
The Food Safety Department in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district on Thursday seized 150 cases of “Basel Seed Drink” worth nearly ₹3.56 lakh during raids conducted across the district following allegations that the product was being falsely marketed as an imported American brand.
Officials said the raids were carried out at multiple locations, leading to the seizure of the stock from several Food Business Operators (FBOs), including M/S Aayet Trading Company at General Bus Stand Anantnag, M/S Hamas on Bypass Road Anantnag, and M/S Valley Traders & Distributors at Pushoo Market Anantnag.
According to the department, preliminary investigations revealed that the products had been sourced from suppliers based in Haryana, Delhi and Jammu, including M/S Krusha Premium Industries Pvt Ltd, Sonipat; M/S G.S. Food Labs, Pooth Khurd, New Delhi; and M/S Aamantn at Chowadi Fowara Chowk, Jammu.
During scrutiny of the product labels, officials detected multiple alleged violations and discrepancies. The drink was labelled as “American Brand Basel Seed Drink” and claimed to be a “Product of Thailand”, purportedly manufactured by “Golden and SUN EXPORT, Bangkok, Thailand”. However, authorities said the packaging lacked mandatory importer details and carried a suspected fake FSSAI licence number.
Officials further stated that despite being marketed as an imported product, the drink is suspected to have been manufactured locally.
The seized stock has been taken into custody for legal and analytical proceedings under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Samples have also been collected for laboratory testing to assess the product’s safety and quality standards.
The department said a wider investigation has been launched to identify all individuals and entities allegedly involved in the manufacture, supply and distribution of the product.
Meanwhile, the Food Safety Department has advised consumers to remain vigilant while purchasing packaged food products carrying suspicious or misleading labels and reiterated its commitment to safeguarding public health and consumer rights.
