PANAJI
People often come across burgers, biscuits and other bakery items packaged in a brown bag, which also has a staple pin to pack it. But, of late, a new trend is
seen in the market, wherein supermarkets and vegetable vendors are seen
selling exotic vegetables in small plastic packets, which are stapled.
Stapled plastic packets of exotic vegetables like cherry tomatoes and baby corn are just too common in Panaji municipal market and also in several supermarkets in the state. This trend is going on rather unchecked,
which makes it even more dangerous.
Unfortunately, in Indian law, there is no provision, which prevents vendors from using staple pins on the packets of food items. Therefore, this practice is not exactly illegal. But, that doesn’t mean that it is ethical.
Salim Veljee, director, Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) - Goa, said, “Every trade has some ethical practices and it is always expected that the
sellers will take an action in the interest of promoting food safety.
There are so many small machines available in the market, which can help in putting a seal on a plastic packet, which can do away the need for staple pins.”
He continued, “We will very soon conduct comprehensive awareness campaigns to educate both the vendors and the consumers about the bad impact of using staple pins on the packaged food items.”
Since the law is unlikely to have a ban on the use of staple pins on packaged food, it is expected that the consumers will put pressure on the vendors and the supermarkets to stop using such pins.
Meanwhile, Roland Martins, co-ordinator, GOACAN, said, “The use of staple pins on packaged food is bad, as it is clearly dangerous for the health of people.
There are alternatives like cello tape available to put an enclosure on such packets.”
Martins continued, “There should be guidelines to prevent the use of staple pins on packaged food items.”
