New Delhi, 27 August (H.S.):

The Delhi Food Safety Department has intensified inspections, surveillance and enforcement measures across the national capital in view of the expected rise in demand for dairy products, sweets and other food items ahead of Raksha Bandhan and other festivals. The campaign is being conducted on the directions of Delhi Health Minister Dr. Pankaj Kumar Singh. As part of the drive, approximately 131 kg of expired food products were destroyed on the spot.

The Health Minister said teams from the Food Safety Department have stepped up inspections and sampling at sweet-making units, wholesale markets, retail markets, food establishments and other vulnerable locations. Particular attention is being paid to dairy products such as paneer, khoya and ghee, as well as sweets and other food items that witness high demand during the festive season.

Inspection drives were conducted at sweet-making units in areas including Okhla, Badli, Nihal Vihar and Narela, as well as at several other locations, including Okhla Vegetable Market and Ghantaghar Vegetable Market. During the campaign, around 131 kg of expired food material was destroyed at the respective sites.

Food safety teams also collected 37 samples of paneer, khoya, ghee, sweets and other food products under the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. The samples will be sent to designated food testing laboratories for quality assessment. Further necessary action will be taken based on the laboratory findings and the applicable provisions of the law.

The Health Minister said the health and safety of Delhi’s residents remained the government’s highest priority. Given the increased demand for food products during the festive season, the department has been directed to maintain strict surveillance across the city and ensure rigorous inspections and sampling. Special attention is being given to dairy and milk-based products, sweets and other food items in high demand.

The Health Minister reiterated that strict action would be taken against anyone found involved in the manufacture, storage, distribution or sale of unsafe or adulterated food products. He also appealed to everyone to cooperate with enforcement teams and contribute towards ensuring the availability of safe and quality food for the people of Delhi during the festive season.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar