By Chandan Singh | Page 3 News Worldwide | New Delhi
NEW DELHI: Delhi Health Minister Dr. Pankaj Kumar Singh has warned of zero tolerance towards food adulteration as the Food Safety Department intensified inspections across the capital ahead of Raksha Bandhan and the upcoming festive season.
During a major enforcement operation at Okhla Sabzi Mandi, officials destroyed approximately 508 kg of spurious paneer found during inspection. Legal action has been initiated under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and applicable rules and regulations.
“There will be zero tolerance for food adulteration,” Dr. Pankaj Kumar Singh said, adding that enforcement teams were intensifying inspections to protect citizens from unsafe and spurious food products.
The minister said food safety was a priority, particularly during the festive season when demand for paneer, milk products, sweets, edible oils and other food items rises significantly.
“Festivals are a time of happiness and celebration, and every family has the right to enjoy festive food without worrying about its safety,” Singh said. He added that strict action would be taken against those compromising food quality or putting citizens’ health at risk.
The Food Safety Department has lifted 22 enforcement samples of various food articles across different districts in the past two days. The samples have been sent to designated laboratories for detailed analysis, with further action to follow based on the test results.
Singh said dedicated teams had been deployed in every district for regular inspection, sampling and monitoring of food establishments, markets and supply points. Officials have been instructed to remain vigilant and take enforcement action wherever violations are detected.
With festive demand expected to rise, particularly for paneer, dairy products, sweets and other food items, the department has maintained heightened surveillance across Delhi. Similar inspection and sampling drives will continue in the coming days.
The minister emphasised that the campaign was aimed not only at taking action against violations but also at strengthening preventive monitoring across the food supply chain, protecting consumers and maintaining confidence in the quality and safety of food available in Delhi.
The Delhi Government reiterated that strict action would be taken against individuals, manufacturers, suppliers and establishments involved in the manufacture, storage, distribution or sale of unsafe, adulterated or substandard food products.
