District Collector warns action against using chemicals for producing sago in Salem district

Salem District Collector warns against chemical use in sago production, threatens penalties for non-compliance with food safety regulations.

Salem District Collector R. Brindha Devi has warned of action against using chemicals in sago production on Monday.

More than 150 units in the district are involved in manufacturing sago, which is transported to northern States from the district. Though sago is manufactured from tapioca, allegations of adulteration and usage of chemicals have been raised against a few manufacturers.

The Collector reported that complaints have been received regarding the manufacture of sago, that harmful chemicals such as sulfuric acid, hydrogen peroxide, and sodium hypochlorite were being mixed during the production process. The use of these non-permitted and non-food-grade chemicals in sago manufacturing constitutes a punishable offense under the Food Safety and Standards Act, which mandates a penalty of three months imprisonment and a fine of ₹3 lakh.

Additionally, there were complaints about the use of unhygienic water in sago production and the incorporation of maize flour. Producing a food product with maize flour and labeling it as sago is also a punishable offense, attracting a fine of up to ₹10 lakh, the Collector added.

The Collector instructed sago manufacturers to provide all details printed on the wrappers, and warned that bags or packets found without proper details would be seized. Manufacturers should get proper licences from the Food Safety Department before manufacturing sago, and licences would be cancelled if non-permitted or non-food-grade chemicals were found in their manufacturing, the Collector added.