Need for sustained counteraction

The mobile courts convened as a result of the recent top-notch in-depth investigative reporting on widespread food adulteration are to be congratulated for their efforts. There have already been a number of quite startling high-profile cases brought and there is no question that the courts are discharging their duties efficiently and effectively, and that for the first time in recent memory the adulterators are running for cover.

However, for a number of reasons, the mobile courts, while praiseworthy, are not sufficient to meet the extent of the problem. The first is that the reports and subsequent official investigations have brought to light the fact that the severe lack of hygienic and sanitation safeguards with respect to the food industry exceeds even our worst apprehensions. There is simply no way that a few mobile courts can be equal to the task of making us all safe.

The second reason is that the existing laws are not stringent enough to work as a serious deterrent to the criminals adulterating food. This is apparently being rectified by the government, which is considering much stricter measures including possible life for those guilty of adulteration.

This is a welcome move. Food adulteration is a serious crime and needs to be prosecuted as such. It is a gross violation of the public trust and the cavalier disregard for the health and well-being of the common people shown by the guilty reveals a truly criminal nature. At its worst, food adulteration can cause severe illness and death. Finally, the profits from the crime are so great that the punishment must be commensurate, otherwise there will be no disincentive.

The government must take this issue up as a priority. We would like to see a high-level taskforce take stock of the whole situation and devise ways to root out the problem. The confusion between various regulatory authorities and laws needs to be eliminated, and responsibilities need to be clearly delineated. Those guilty need swift and severe punishment and those who are operating in an exemplary manner also deserve recognition.

What could be more important than safeguarding the food that 140 million people eat every day?