Ludhiana: 100 kg of adulterated khoya, 7 quintals of jaggery seized; challans issued

In a series of inspections in Tajpur and near Samrala Chowk on Thursday, a significant quantity of adulterated food items were seized and challans were issued for violations of food safety regulations.

The Health Department team while acting on a tip-off inspected several establishments in the area.

The major seizures included 100 kg of khoya from a sweet shop in Tajpur and seven quintals of jaggery and 350 kg of sugar being used for making jaggery at a manufacturing unit in Tajpur. The seized food items, suspected to be adulterated, have been sent for laboratory analysis to determine the extent of contamination.

In addition to the food seizures, the team also focused on other potential health hazards. Six samples of soda bottles were collected for testing and a challan was issued to a vendor near Samrala Chowk. The authorities also issued a challan under Section 58 to a outlet selling an energy drink near a school in Tajpur, citing concerns about the health and safety of schoolchildren.

Dr Ramandeep Kaur, Civil Surgeon, Ludhiana, reiterated the Health Department’s stance, stating: “We are committed to safeguarding public health. Such surprise inspections will continue and strict action will be taken against those found violating the food safety norms.”

Dr Amarjit Kaur emphasised the department’s commitment. “The District Health Department is working diligently to ensure that food products available to the public are safe and of high quality. These actions demonstrate our firm resolve to crack down on food adulteration and enforce stringent food safety standards,” she said.

The Health Department has initiated further investigation and has warned that those found guilty of violating food safety laws will face severe penalties.