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Plastic rice: Officials continue checks
Food safety officials, who have collected 14 rice samples across the city and sent it to laboratory to check whether there is plastic rice in circulation, are awaiting the results.
By
migrator
migrator
Chennai
Though officials stressed that plastic rice is a rumour, they are continuing their inspection of rice products across the city to prove it beyond doubt to assuage the fear of public.
According to the officials, the issue began at Ayanavaram Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) depot, where the MTC employees complained that plastic rice was being served to them.
Subsequently, the news went viral and food safety officials, who were alarmed, started inspections across the state as well. Over 200 wholesale shops were raided so far.
Dr R Kathiravan, Designated Officer, Chennai district, Tamil Nadu Food Safety Department, told DT Next that ever since speculation was rife that some traders are selling plastic rice in the city, they started inspection. “We have taken 14 samples and sent it to Kings Institute in the city for laboratory test and we will receive the outcome within a week,” he said.
When asked if all the samples were taken based on suspicion, Kathiravan replied, “We cannot come to any concrete conclusion as of now, but there is no need for panic.”
Similarly, the Tamil Nadu Food Safety Department has warned of action against people, who are spreading rumour in the state.
“There might be substandard rice, but we have not found plastic rice. This is a rumour and stern action will be taken against those indulging in spreading this,” said a top official, on anonymity.
MTC to renovate canteens after rice issue goes viral
The plastic rice issue at the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) canteen in Ayanavaram has turned the spotlight on the pathetic condition of the canteens located in the 32 depots of the transport corporation.
The MTC is now planning to renovate all the canteens in the depots. Officials say that they have been receiving complaints from its employees that the canteens are in a shambles and unhygienic foods are served there.
Around 1.5 lakh employees are working in the MTC and they are given subsidised food in the canteens. However, they complain that all the canteens are unhygienic. So, many employees bring their own food and only a minimum number of employees have food in these canteens. “There is not enough space in the canteen.
During afternoons, they remain crowded. Further, there is no cleanliness and sometime, water scarcity is also an issue,” said a driver in Iyyappanthangal depot. “Though we complained to our higher officials, they never take care of it,” he lamented.
Natarajan, treasurer, Labour Progressive Federation (MTC), said, “The MTC should give priority to the employees on all accounts. The age-old buildings, where canteens are situated, are in bad shape. In such a situation, the officials should inspect the buildings and heed our grievances.
Even there is shortage of staff in canteens.” When contacted, V Krishnamurthy, Managing Director, MTC, said, “We will pay attention on the employees’ issues and we will send a proposal to the government and seek funds for renovating canteens in the depots.” He added, “Grievances of employees are continuously addressed.”
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