Describing food adulteration as "cancer", the Central government today put the onus of dealing with the problem on states and asked them to tighten enforcement machineries so that the perpetrators do not play havoc with the lives of people.

The issue led to an uproar in the Lok Sabha which was adjourned prematurely for lunch recess after several members sought to speak on it but were disallowed by the Chair which observed that there was no provision for it under the Calling Attention Motion.

Opposition members wanted to express themselves on the issue, saying it was a crucial matter relating to lives of people.

Minister of State for Health Dinesh Trivedi said he shared the concern of the members and was ready for a full-fledged debate on the issue if a proper notice is given.

"This problem (of adulteration of food items) is a cancer.

We also buy food items...I will be happy if a full-day discussion is held," he said amid uproar.

Deputy Speaker Karia Munda said the matter has been raised under the Calling Attention Motion and only the member who has given the notice could speak.

Munda said he could not allow other members to speak unless a proper notice for discussion is given.

Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs V Narayanasamy also asked the members to give notice after which the Business Advisory Committee would decide as was the procedure.

The Calling Attention Motion was given by Congress member Jagdambika Pal. Other members, including Harsimrat Kaur (Akali Dal) and Shailender Kumar (SP) also wanted to speak on it but was disallowed by Munda.

This led to an uproar as SP leader Mulayam Singh Yadav, JD-U chief Sharad Yadav and Deputy Leader of Opposition Gopinath Munde pressed the Chair to allow Kaur to speak.

Munda, however, refused, saying if she is allowed then others were also waiting to speak.

As commotion persisted for about 15 minutes, Munda adjourned the House prematurely for lunch recess.

Earlier, replying to the Motion, Trivedi said the administration of all food safety laws rests with the respective states and Union Territory governments.

"Therefore, I would urge upon all the states and Union Territory governments and their Food Safety Administrators to tighten their enforcement machineries to keep strict vigil on activities of unscrupulous elements and to strive for speedy trials so that perpetrators of such heinous crimes do not play havoc with the health and lives of consumers and are brought to book," he said.