UT Health Dept collects 51 food samples

As Diwali is around the corner, the UT Health Department has launched an inspection drive across the city to ensure the quality of festive food items. The initiative is aimed at preventing food adulteration, particularly in sweets and other popular festival delicacies.

Officials of the Food Safety Department have seized 26 regulatory and 25 surveillance samples of various sweets, including paneer and khoya, and sent them to the Food Analyst Laboratory for testing. Nine challans have been issued to food business operators for non-compliance under various provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act.

Daily awareness camps are being organised by the department across the city to aware the general public about safe and healthy food, and precautions to be taken while buying sweets and other snacks from the market.

In case consumers observe/see anything abnormal, they can report the matter to the Department of Food Safety & Standards, Government Multi Specialty Hospital, Sector 16, Chandigarh, or at emergency phone No. 0172-2782457 or at the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India web portal https://foscos.fssai.gov.in/consumergrievance. They may register such complaints on FSSAI “Food Safety Connect App”.

Guidelines for Food Business Operators

Maintain proper hygiene to prevent foodborne illnesses.

Store food in clean, dry and airtight containers.

Use clean water for cooking and drinking.

Serve food in clean and dry utensils.

Ensure accurate labelling as per FSSAI norms.

Do not sell expired or spoilt food.

Avoid using synthetic food colours in sweets.