420 kg of banned khesari dal seized in Ludhiana; 47 samples of fruit, ghee, paan collected

In a decisive move to ensure public safety, a team of the Health Department, under the supervision of District Health Officer (DHO) Dr Amarjit Kaur, seized a large consignment of banned khesari dal and stepped up food safety inspections across Ludhiana.

The team conducted a targeted inspection during which 14 bags of khesari dal, each weighing 30 kg were seized. Khesari dal (Lathyrus sativus) is prohibited for sale and consumption in India under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, due to its neurotoxic effects that can lead to lathyrism, a serious neurological disorder.

A sample of the dal was sent for a laboratory test and was found to be non-compliant with the food safety standards. Consequently, legal action is being initiated as per the provisions of the FSSAI Act against the defaulters, officials said.

Further inspections were conducted to monitor the quality of fruits and packaged goods sold in the open market. Yesterday, 24 samples were collected from several areas, including New Sabzi Mandi, Gill Road and Dugri. The samples included mangoes, papayas, bananas and one sample of ghee.

The drive continued today and 23 more samples were taken from Civil Lines, New Sabzi Mandi, Maloud and Haboiwal. These included mangoes, papayas, bananas, watermelons and paan masala—a product often scrutinized for containing harmful additives.

All 47 samples have been sent to the state food testing laboratory, and action will be taken strictly as per the results,” said Dr Amarjit. “Selling khesari dal is a punishable offence under Sections 59 and 63 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and we are committed to taking strict action against offenders endangering public health,” she added.

The Health Department has issued a stern warning to wholesalers and retailers, urging them to refrain from stocking or selling banned and substandard food items. Public cooperation is also being sought to report any suspected adulteration or sale of prohibited items in their localities.

“This is a zero-tolerance issue. Ensuring food safety is not just a legal obligation but a moral one, too,” Dr Amarjit emphasised. “Such inspections will continue on a regular basis to protect consumers from adulterated and harmful products.”