Ice-cream samples collected

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, May 22

With a rise in the demand of ice-cream amid blistering heat, the Health Department has initiated a drive to check its quality.

The officials concerned today collected samples of ice-cream, milk and milk products from several shops on the GT road here. Assistant Food Commissioner Rajinderpal Singh said 10 samples had been collected.

He said the drive would be a regular feature as several ice-cream units surface in summers. In the past, many illegal small scale traders selling ice cream have been nabbed.

“Most of the ice cream makers don’t maintain quality and hygiene as ice-cream is a seasonal trade for them. Very few known manufacturers remain in the business during winters. The small and illegal units are shut during summers. As these illegal manufacturers often shift places and mostly run from rented places, it becomes difficult to catch them,” he said.

The Assistant Food Commissioner has also requested the residents to inform the department if they come across any illegal ice-cream unit. “Checking food adulteration is not possible without public participation. We welcome complaints by the residents and their identity will be protected,” he added.