MORADABAD, December 31st: A large quantity of animal bones and fat was seized from a food factory situated on Rampur road here by a team of sleuths of the Uttar Pradesh food and supply department and police led by the city magistrate. Several children below the age of 14 were also found working in the factory. The authorities cancelled the licence of the food factory.
The raiding team sealed the factory and collected samples, which were sent to the state laboratory.
According to the food and supply department officials, a well known factory making rusk and snacks was allegedly found using animal bones for making eatable products during the raid. The factory is known for its rusk and biscuits in the region.
Officials of the local administration confirmed that during the raid they also found the children below the age of 14 years working in the factory. The district labour inspector was immediately summoned by the raiding team. On his arrival, he prepared individual reports on each child. According to the labour department, 15 children were rescued from the food factory premises.
Speaking with TOI, PK Srivastav-city magistrate, Moradabad, confirmed, “We have found heaps of animal bones in the factory.” He added that the food items were not fit for human consumption. Children below the age of 14 years of age were also found working in the factory.
“It’s a matter of grave concern and the administration will never compromise with health of human beings. Whosoever is found guilty, will be punished. An FIR will also be registered against the factory owner and the manager after the laboratory report of the samples from the food factory comes,” said AK Srivastav.
Officials have sealed the factory and policemen were reportedly posted outside the factory gates.
