Sirmaur DC launches food safety drive across district

Sirmaur Deputy Commissioner Priyanka Verma chaired a meeting of the District Food Safety Advisory Committee at the DC office today, focusing on strengthening food safety measures across the district.

During the meeting, the DC directed the Assistant Commissioner of Food Safety to ensure timely licensing and registration of all food-related businesses, including shopkeepers, hotels, mid-day meal providers, ration depots, Anganwadi centres, canteens and liquor outlets. She also called for regular monthly sampling of milk, bread and sweets brought into Nahan from neighbouring states.

The Deputy Commissioner emphasised the active deployment of the mobile food testing van for both sampling and public awareness across the district. She urged halwais (sweet makers) to refrain from reusing cooking oil, citing serious health risks.

Assistant Commissioner (Food Safety) Dr Atul Kayasth, who conducted the meeting, informed attendees that under the Food Safety and Sandards Act, 2006, a total of 5,516 licences and registrations had been issued so far. He further disclosed that 32 food business operators were fined Rs 5.5 lakh in the current financial year for selling adulterated food.

Approximately 2,500 samples have been tested using the mobile testing van, and an additional 375 samples were collected by food safety officers for laboratory analysis.

The Deputy Commissioner stressed the need for strict compliance and timely achievement of departmental targets to ensure public health and safety.