‘Chikkis’ supplied to anganwadis unfit for consumption: Maharashtra govt to HC

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“Out of the total lot of ‘chikkis’ supplied till July, 10 the ICDS department has received complaints from four districts – Ahmednagar, Jalgaon, Amravati and Nandurbar. In all the districts, the concerned authority was directed to confiscate the ‘chikkis,’ send samples for testing and ensure that they are not distributed,” the affidavit said.

According to the affidavit, in Ahmednagar after tests were conducted, the ‘chikkis’ were found to be burnt and with sand particles in it and hence unfit for human consumption.

In Jalgaon, metal pieces were found in the chikkis and in Nandurbar there was fungal growth in the snacks and in Amravati a certain kind of oily substance was found in the chikki samples.

“On July 9, the Principal Secretary of the Women and Child Welfare department received a confidential letter from the Commissioner of FDA stating that the chikkis supplied to anganwadis in these four districts were unfit for consumption,” the affidavit said.

It added that prompt action was taken in all the matters and show cause notice issued to the company Suryakanta Mahila Audyogik Sahakari Sanstha.

The High Court has posted the petition for further hearing after four weeks.

Pankaja Munde heads the Ministry for Women and Child Development.