By Chandan Singh | Page 3 News Worldwide | New Delhi
40 food samples collected, eight establishments issued improvement notices following inspections across the capital
New Delhi: The Delhi Government has intensified its crackdown on food adulteration ahead of Deepavali, with the Food Safety Department inspecting sweet shops, dairies and food manufacturing units across several parts of the capital. The drive resulted in the collection of 40 food samples for laboratory testing, improvement notices to eight establishments and the destruction of nearly 100 kg of food material deemed unfit for human consumption.
The inspections were conducted across North-East, East, Shahdara, South and South-East Delhi on the directions of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, who has called for regular monitoring of food establishments and strict action against those violating food safety regulations.
Contaminated Milk and Sweets Found at Mandoli Dairy
During inspections in North-East, East and Shahdara, officials collected 22 samples of food products, including khoya, paneer, ghee, kalakand, laddus, gulab jamun and dry-fruit gift packs.
A particularly serious violation was detected at a dairy in Mandoli Extension, where officials found foul-smelling khoya, rasgullas and milk contaminated with mosquitoes and flies. Acting promptly, the department destroyed nearly 100 kg of the contaminated material to prevent it from reaching consumers.
12 Establishments Inspected in South Delhi
In a separate festival-focused enforcement drive, officials inspected 12 sweet shops and food manufacturing units across South and South-East Delhi. Eighteen samples of laddus, barfi, kalakand, rasgulla, khoya, chhena, paneer, ghee and skimmed milk powder were collected for testing.
The department also investigated a complaint against a sweet manufacturing unit in Nihal Vihar. During the inspection, officials collected three samples and found that the unit was operating without the mandatory Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) registration.
Eight Establishments Issued Improvement Notices
Apart from checking food quality, inspection teams assessed sanitation, cleanliness and hygiene standards at the establishments. Eight units were issued improvement notices after officials identified deficiencies requiring corrective action.
The department said further action would be taken based on laboratory test results and inspection findings.
Chief Minister Warns Against Negligence in Food Safety
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said that the true joy of festivals lies in ensuring that every family receives pure, safe and healthy food.
She stressed that food adulteration, the sale of contaminated products and disregard for hygiene standards pose serious threats to public health and would not be tolerated by the Delhi Government.
The Chief Minister directed the Food Safety Department to maintain regular inspections of sweet shops, dairies and manufacturing units and take strict legal action against violators.
She added that the government’s objective extends beyond penalising violations to establishing a reliable food safety system that ensures access to quality food throughout the year, particularly during festivals.
Protecting public health and maintaining consumer trust remain the government’s top priorities, Rekha Gupta said.
