Food safety officials urge eateries to improve hygiene

The Food Safety Department has identified poor hygiene and cleanliness in the kitchens and workshops of eateries, restaurants, dairies, and marriage palaces as the leading cause of food contamination. In response, food operators have been urged to enforce hygiene practices in line with World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines to ensure food safety.

During a series of inspections led by Assistant Commissioner Food Safety and Drug Administration Dr. Harpreet Kaur, along with Food Safety Officer Charanjit Singh, food processing units in Malerkotla, Amargarh, and Ahmedgarh subdivisions were scrutinized for adherence to food safety standards. The inspections revealed a significant lack of knowledge regarding WHO guidelines, with many food handlers and operators unaware of proper hygiene protocols.

Dr. Kaur emphasised the importance of basic hygiene practices such as proper handwashing, wearing protective clothing, cleaning equipment and workspaces, waste management, and providing regular training to food handlers. These measures are essential for maintaining the quality and safety of food prepared in these establishments.

The team’s efforts aimed to raise awareness among food operators about the importance of hygiene and cleanliness in preventing foodborne diseases. Most operators expressed commitment to complying with the guidelines moving forward. However, Dr. Kaur also warned that strict action would be taken against establishments failing to meet the required standards, with noncompliance potentially leading to penalties under the Food Safety Act.

A final report on the inspections is awaited, but authorities have already instructed concerned officials to ensure that action is taken against habitual violators.