PRESS RELEASE

31-07-2006

ADULTERATED FOOD ADDITIVES SEIZED

Karaikal : Substantive quantities of adulterated food preservatives and taste enhancers have been seized from some of the shops in Karaikal District by the Consumer Brigaders consisting of Executive Magistrates, Food Inspector, Drug Inspector, Legal Metrology and Civil Supply Officials last month.

Adulterated taste enhancers and food additives are cause of concern as, they adversely affect the health of consumers, reportedly causing brain lesions or damage to nerve cells in human.

The team also seized in the process some samples of adulterated taste enhancers branded as AJI-NO-MOTO from various shops and retailers.

On hearing the reports of seizure through media reports, the representatives of AJI-NO-MOTTO company which markets Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) – the taste enhancer widely used in all kinds of cooking, especially in Chinese receipies, and popularly sells it as AJI-NO-MOTTO conducted a demonstration cum presentation meeting in the Civil Station at Karaikal on 26-07-2006.

The Company representatives clarified that the Mono Sodium Glutamate (MSG) which the AJI-NO-MOTTO Co.inc, Japan sells as AJI-NO-MOTTO is 100% Vegetarian, free from any adulteration and the company’s logo and brand name was printed in all samples. The Company enjoys the brand name since 1909 and is reportedly the leader in Monosodium Glutamate market in the world.

It was further clarified that AJI-NO-MOTTO is not a chemical but a natural product obtained from Sugarcane and Tapioca by fermentation process; Similar to that used in making cheese, Yoghurt, idli or dosa.

The Company Authorities confirmed that the samples seized in Karaikal in the name of AJI-NO-MOTTO are not the original stuff marketed by the company.

PRO

COLLECTORATE, KARAIKAL