AP govt will crack down on adulterated food, synthetic colours, says health minister

Vijayawada: Health minister Satya Kumar Yadav on Friday said the state govt is determined to take strict action against eateries found serving adulterated food or using harmful synthetic colours. Responding to concerns raised in the assembly, he warned that restaurants, roadside stalls, and food outlets compromising food safety standards would face stringent measures. Protecting public health, he stressed, is the govt's top priority.Yadav noted that the use of synthetic colours and artificial additives has become a growing concern, particularly in street food and some commercial eateries. Such substances, he cautioned, pose serious health risks if consumed regularly.The minister urged legislators to spread awareness among the public about the dangers of consuming artificially coloured or adulterated food. He appealed to members to educate people in their constituencies about choosing safe and hygienic options. "Public awareness is equally important. People should be cautious and avoid food items that appear unusually bright or artificially coloured," he said.Yadav added that food safety inspections would be intensified across the state. Officials from the food safety department will conduct regular checks at restaurants, hotels, and food stalls to identify violations and take necessary action.He further said the govt is strengthening monitoring mechanisms to ensure strict adherence to standards prescribed by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). Reiterating the govt's commitment, Yadav assured the Assembly that practices endangering public health would not be tolerated and violators would face strict penalties.