Mayawati orders tough steps against food and drug adulterators

LUCKNOW - Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati Thursday ordered tough steps against food and drug adulterators and also against her officials displaying laxity in bringing the culprits to book.

“District Magistrates (DM) will be directly held responsible wherever adulteration of food and drugs is detected”, said a circular issued by the chief minister Thursday.

Taking serious note of uncontrolled sale and use of the highly toxic oxytocin - used for giving artificial boost to vegetables besides enhancing the milk output of cows and buffaloes, Mayawati warned: “DMs and their subordinate concerned officials must keep a stern vigil on uncontrolled sale and use of oxytocin which is a major health hazard.”

As many as 153 people have been arrested and sent to jail over the past two months since the drive against food adulteration was undertaken.

Besides, 102 people have been arrested in connection with the sale of spurious and adulterated drugs as well as for unauthorized sale of toxic drugs.