Milk & sweets under scanner as festival season approaches

The Food Safety Wing of the Health Department has collected 37 food samples from both urban and rural areas of the district over the past week to ensure the availability of quality food during the festive season. These include 10 samples of milk, eight of paneer, one of ghee and 18 of other food items.

All collected samples have been sent to the food laboratory in Kharar for testing. Strict action will be taken against any violators once the test reports are received, said Assistant Food Commissioner Rajinderpal Singh.

He added that in view of the festive season, the district Health Department has formed four food safety teams. These teams are conducting daily inspections of sweet shops, dairies, restaurants and other food outlets.

Special attention is being given to sweets and milk products, as their demand increases significantly during festivals, he said. Singh also urged shopkeepers to maintain cleanliness and use only good quality ingredients in food preparation.

“Those indulging in adulteration will not be spared. Along with departmental action, legal proceedings will also be initiated,” he warned.

A special meeting with food safety officers was also held to review the preparations. Officers have been directed to keep a close watch on food shops in their assigned areas and to act promptly to any complaints regarding unhygienic or substandard food.