Seven food samples sent for laboratory testing; notices issued to a sweet shop and a restaurant over unhygienic conditions
Ludhiana, October 21, (Rajkumar Sathi). With the Diwali festival approaching, the Food Safety Wing of the Health Department conducted a special inspection drive in Doraha, Khanna and Payal under the leadership of District Health Officer Dr. Ashish Chawla to ensure the availability of safe, hygienic and quality food products to consumers. During the drive, inspections were carried out at sweet shops, grocery stores, fast-food outlets, restaurants and other food establishments. A total of seven food samples were collected and sent for laboratory testing, while challans were issued to one sweet shop and one restaurant after unhygienic conditions were found.
Dr. Ashish Chawla said that demand for sweets, milk-based products, savouries and other food items increases significantly during the Diwali season. Keeping this in view, the department is conducting special inspections to ensure food quality, prevent adulteration and safeguard public health. The drive focuses on checking food products as well as maintaining proper hygiene and sanitation at food establishments. During the inspections, seven samples of different food products, including milk cake, besan barfi, pan masala, salt and other related items, were collected and sent to the designated laboratory for testing in accordance with the prescribed legal procedure. Dr. Chawla clarified that the final findings regarding the quality and safety of the sampled products would be determined only after the laboratory reports are received. Further action will be taken in accordance with the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and applicable rules and regulations, based on the test results. During the drive, unhygienic conditions were observed at one sweet shop and one restaurant, following which challans were issued on the spot. Further proceedings will be undertaken as per the prescribed legal procedure, and the challans will be presented before the competent court. The department instructed food business operators to maintain proper cleanliness at food preparation, storage and sales areas. Utensils, machinery, working counters and storage spaces must be kept clean, while food products should be protected from flies, dust, insects and other sources of contamination. Dr. Chawla appealed to sweet manufacturers, confectioners, dairy owners, restaurant operators and grocery retailers to use quality raw materials and refrain from using unauthorised ingredients, colours or harmful substances. Milk-based sweets and other perishable food products should be stored at appropriate temperatures. Food businesses must maintain the prescribed quality of cooking oil and comply with applicable standards regarding the reuse of used oil. All food business operators must also possess a valid FSSAI licence or registration, as applicable under the rules. He also urged consumers to remain cautious while purchasing sweets and other food products during Diwali. People should purchase food items from reliable vendors, check the labels and expiry dates of packaged products, and avoid buying suspicious or spoiled food. Any suspected adulteration or concerns regarding food quality should be reported to the Food Safety Department.
The department reiterated that the special inspection drive would continue throughout the festive season to ensure food safety and quality. Strict legal action will be taken against those found violating the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the applicable rules and regulations.
About Post Author
