The Food Safety Wing of the Department of Food Safety and Drug Administration has ramped up its efforts to ensure consumer safety, conducting a series of intensive inspections across the state. On the third day of a special drive launched in anticipation of the upcoming festive season, officials inspected 100 sweet-manufacturing units and retail outlets on Saturday. The ongoing campaign aims to maintain strict adherence to food safety norms at a time when demand for sweets and confectionery typically surges.
During the Saturday operations, officials collected 113 food samples for laboratory testing to determine if the products meet quality and safety requirements. According to a statement issued by the department, notices were served to 15 food business operators found to be in violation of established regulations. The department noted that common deficiencies identified during the visits included unhygienic conditions within food preparation and storage zones, the lack of mandatory medical certificates for staff handling food products, and various labelling defects.
The weekend inspections marked the conclusion of a three-day intensive drive that began on Thursday. In total, authorities inspected 286 sweet-manufacturing units and retail establishments across the state over the three-day period. The primary objective of these checks is to enforce compliance with the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the associated Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration) Regulations, 2011. By conducting these rigorous checks, the department seeks to prevent the sale of substandard or adulterated food items during the festival period.
Over the course of the three-day operation, officials managed to collect an aggregate of 383 food samples. These samples have been dispatched to government-certified food laboratories for detailed analysis to detect any potential contamination or non-compliance with health standards. Furthermore, the enforcement effort saw action taken against 40 separate establishments that received notices, while two specific operators were penalised with fines totalling ₹7,000 for their non-compliance. In a significant seizure, officials confiscated 30 kilograms of khova that had been incorrectly labelled, representing a potential risk to public health.
The department has made it clear that these inspections are not a one-off measure but rather a sustained effort to safeguard public interest. Officials have stated that they will continue to monitor units and retail outlets that have previously shown a tendency to violate safety and quality protocols. Any further instances of non-compliance discovered in the coming days will be met with formal legal action, as per the existing regulatory framework.
As the state prepares for the festivities, the proactive stance of the Food Safety Wing serves as a cautionary measure for business operators. By focusing on hygiene standards and clear labelling, the department is attempting to ensure that only quality products reach the consumers. With the laboratory results for the 383 collected samples pending, the government has reiterated its commitment to cracking down on those who compromise food safety for profit. Consumers have been urged to remain vigilant, while businesses are expected to maintain strict sanitation and documentation standards to avoid facing further enforcement actions during this busy season.
Comments