Import of food articles - Enforcement of provisions of Prevention of Food Adultration Act, 1954 - Customs - F. No. 450/58/92-Cus.IV

Import of food articles - Enforcement of provisions of Prevention of Food Adultration Act, 1954 F. No. 450/58/92-Cus.IV Dated 1-4-1992 Government of India Ministry of Finance (Department of Revenue) Central Board of Excise Customs, New Delhi Subject : Import of food articles - Enforcement of provisions of Prevention of Food Adultration Act, 1954 - Regarding. Attention to Section 5 of the Prevention of Food Adultration Act, 1954 which prohibits the import of food articles which are adultrated, mis-branded, food imported without licence or food which contravenes the provisions of the Act and the Rules made thereunder and to say that the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare have informed the Board that there have been recently instances of clearnace of imported foodgrains by the customs authorities which were found to be contaminated with alfatexin and other toxins. The Health Ministry has informed that it appears that the imported consignments of food grains are not being tested before clearance. In another case, it has been stated that a consignment of 'Basmati Rice' exported but rejected by foreign buyer was permitted clearance through ICD, Delhi without being checked at the Port of Entry. It has been desired by the said Ministry that each and every consignment of imported food articles should be chemically tested before release for human consumption. The Customs authorities should refer such imports to Port Health Officers for opinion and advise. All field formations are requested to comply with these requirements of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.