Srinagar, May 17: A truckload of allegedly adulterated edible oil was Monday seized from Pantha Chowk area during a joint operation by the Srinagar Municipal Corporation and the City police, officials said.
 They said the truck loaded with oil tins was seized while the driver and the owner of a local oil factory were arrested on-the -spot. Police has filed a case vide FIR No 45 at the Pantha Chowk Police Station.
 Reports said the joint operation team was led by Health Officer SMC, Dr Reyaz Ahmed and SHO Pantha Chowk.
 When contacted Dr Reyaz said: “The oil tins were  misbranded and without any labels.”
 “It seems the accused wanted to sell it after fake labelling in the name of some prominent oil brands,” the Health Officer told Greater Kashmir.
 Dr Reyaz confirmed the lot was adulterated and packed in used tins.
 He said the owner of Ms Zaffron Oil Mills Pampore, Shabir Ahmed Masoodi was arrested as he accompanied the truckload.
 “He was the owner of the oil,” the official added.
 Dr Reyaz feared that the lot if consumed could have devastating effect on the health of consumers.
 “It’s a significant development that the oil couldn’t reach the open markets otherwise the things could have been different,” he added.
 There was even no mention of date-of-manufacture, he added.
  The Health Officer said the oil samples have been sent to Public Analyst for examination. 
 “But at the face of it, it looks to be a typical case of adulteration,” he said.
 He asked the consumers to be cautious while procuring edibles and get a receipt for the purchases.
 “They must also be particular in checking the date of manufacture to see if it’s tampered,” the official said.

Lastupdate on : Mon, 17 May 2010 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Mon, 17 May 2010 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Tue, 18 May 2010 00:00:00 IST