Be sure of quality before buying sweets: Health Dept to residents

With the festive season underway and the demand for sweets rising, the Health Department has issued an advisory urging residents to buy food items, especially sweets, only from trusted and licensed shops. Officials have warned that adulteration becomes a common practice during this time, as unscrupulous sellers try to make quick profits by compromising on quality.

Civil Surgeon Dr Swaranjit Dhawan said the department has already intensified its drive to collect food samples from markets across the district. “Our teams are visiting sweet shops, bakeries and food stalls to check the quality of products. Random sampling is being done and strict action will be taken against violators,” he said.

The official added that the sudden spike in demand often encourages the use of unsafe ingredients, including artificial colouring and low-quality milk products, which may pose serious health risks. Consumption of such sweets can lead to food poisoning, stomach infections and other health problems.

The department has also suggested safer alternatives for residents. “We strongly encourage people to prepare sweets at home wherever possible. Homemade sweets are not only fresh and hygienic but also free from harmful adulterants,” the Civil Surgeon said.

Public awareness campaigns are also being run in different parts of the district to alert residents about the risks of consuming low quality food items.

The health department has also appealed to citizens to immediately report any suspicious activity, such as sweets with an unusual colour, taste, or smell. Strict penalties and legal action will be taken against those found guilty of food adulteration. While festivals are a time of joy and celebration, ensuring food safety is equally important to protect the health of families, said Dr Dhawan.