Delhi Food Safety Department Launches Crackdown on Spurious Paneer Ahead of Festive Season The Food Safety Department of the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi has escalated its enforcement and inspection efforts across the city in preparation for the upcoming festive season, including Raksha Bandhan. The initiative aims to ensure the availability of safe, hygienic, and wholesome food for citizens. During a major operation at Okhla Sabzi Mandi, authorities seized and destroyed approximately 508 kilograms of spurious paneer discovered during routine inspections. Legal proceedings have been initiated under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and associated regulations to address the violation. In addition to the paneer seizure, the department has collected 22 enforcement samples of various food items from different districts of Delhi over the past two days. These samples are being sent to designated laboratories for comprehensive analysis. Further actions will depend on the results of these tests, which will be evaluated in accordance with the Food Safety and Standards Act, Rules, and Regulations. Health Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh emphasized that food safety remains a top priority for the Delhi Government, especially during festivals when demand for perishable goods like milk products, paneer, sweets, edible oils, and other festive items surges. "Festivals are a time of joy and celebration, and every family deserves to enjoy festive food without concerns about its safety," Singh stated. He reiterated the government’s commitment to taking strict measures against individuals or entities compromising food quality or endangering public health.#pankaj_kumar_singh #food_safety_and_standards_act #delhi_food_safety_department #panner_seizure #okhla_sabzi_mandi
Dead Rat Found in Sweet Shop Leads to FDA Licence Suspension Nagpur: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended the licence of a prominent sweet brand, Hira Sweets, located in Pachpaoli, following a surprise inspection that uncovered severe hygiene violations. The inspection, conducted by Food Safety Officer NN Khandare on July 3, revealed the premises were in a state of extreme unfitness for food production. A dead rat was discovered in the area where food items are prepared, sparking immediate concerns about contamination. The manager of the establishment claimed the rat had fallen from the exhaust fan, but the presence of milk being heated and open vessels containing orange barfi mixture nearby raised further alarms. The inspection uncovered multiple breaches of Schedule 4 of the Food Safety and Standards Act. The unit lacked adequate ventilation, proper storage facilities for food packaging materials, chemicals, and employee belongings. Critical measures to prevent the entry of insects, rodents, and other contaminants were entirely absent. Darkness in the room where Mysore Pak is prepared added to the concerns, as it could allow insects and cockroaches to contaminate the sweets. The FDA’s Assistant Commissioner issued an order on July 6 to suspend the licence of Hira Sweets until further notice. During the suspension period, the company is prohibited from manufacturing or selling any food products. The decision underscores the regulatory body’s strict stance on maintaining food safety standards. The incident highlights the potential risks of poor hygiene practices in food production units and the importance of regular inspections to prevent public health hazards.#nagpur #food_and_drug_administration #hira_sweets #nn_khandare #food_safety_and_standards_act
