Ensuring safe festivities: Health Dept strengthens food safety checks in city

The district Health Department under the leadership of Dr Ramandeep Kaur, Civil Surgeon, carried out an extensive food safety sampling drive across the city during the ongoing festival season. With markets experiencing increased demand during the period, the initiative aimed to ensure that food products available to the public are safe, hygienic and in compliance with the FSSAI guidelines.

The operation was conducted by food safety officials Jatinder Virk, Yogesh Goyal, Divyajot Kaur and Harsimran Kaur, who collected a total of 27 samples of cakes, pastries, fruits and vegetables from key market areas, including Dhandra Road, Dugri Road, Ghumar Mandi, Model Town, Kipps Market, Chandigarh Road, Malhar Road and Gill Road. In addition, four mid-day meal samples were taken from government primary and secondary Schools at Phullanwal to monitor the quality of food being served to schoolchildren.

All samples have been sent for laboratory analysis and necessary action will be taken based on reports in accordance with the Food Safety and Standards Act. During the inspections, food business operators (FBOs) were reminded of their responsibility to maintain strict hygiene within their establishments, to use only good-quality raw materials and to ensure proper storage and handling of food items. They were also directed to display their valid food safety licence prominently in reception areas of their outlets, as required under the FSSAI norms.

Dr Ramandeep Kaur emphasised that during the festival season when the demand for sweets, bakery products and other perishable foods rises sharply, extra vigilance was crucial to protect consumers from adulterated or unsafe products. She urged citizens to remain alert while purchasing food items and prefer only vendors and shopkeepers who follow hygiene standards and carry valid licences for running their establishments.

The Health Department assured that routine checks and surprise inspections will be continued across the city.