South Kashmir: Food Safety Dept Seizes Fake “Basel Seed Drink” Worth Rs 3.56 Lakh During Raids | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: The Food Safety Department in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district on Thursday seized 150 cases of “Basel Seed Drink”, worth nearly Rs 3.56 lakh, during raids conducted across the district following inputs that the product was being falsely marketed as an imported American brand.

Officials said the raids were carried out at multiple locations and the stock was seized 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 investigation revealed that the products had been procured 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, Chowadi Fowara Chowk, Jammu.

During scrutiny of the labels, officials detected several alleged violations and discrepancies. The product 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 labels lacked mandatory importer details and were carrying a fake FSSAI licence number.

Officials further said investigations indicate 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 analysis to determine 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 and distribution of the product.

The Food Safety Department advised consumers to remain cautious while purchasing food products carrying suspicious or misleading labels and reiterated its commitment to safeguarding public health.