Udupi: Deputy Commissioner G Jagadeesha warned of booking criminal cases against those found using tasting powder in excess.

The deputy commissioner, presiding over a meeting on food safety, said excessive tasting powders were found in preparations of Gobi Manchuri, Chinese food and others.

The deputy commissioner said that he has been receiving several complaints on the excessive use of tasting powder.

“The excessive use of powder will have a negative impact on health. The food safety officers should conduct raids on food outlets and collect random samples and send the samples of food for testing. If anyone found violating rules, then criminal cases should be booked against them. Action should be initiated against those who are found selling tasting powder without permission,” Jagadeesha added.

There is a need to check the quality of bakery products. The food packets should clearly mention date of manufacture. The food product samples should be collected every month and sent for testing, he said.  Officials should verify whether chemicals are used for ripening fruits in fruit stalls. The officials should maintain a vigil outside banana Mandi.