With the festive season approaching, Delhi’s Food Safety Department on Monday stepped up inspections across major food markets, leading to the destruction of more than 2,800 kg of unsafe and abandoned food products, including khoya, dhaap and butter.
“Festive preparations must not come at the cost of food safety. Food safety teams inspected markets including Khoya Mandi, Mori Gate, Bagh Deewar, Sanjay Market and Janakpuri Mandi, focusing on suspected adulteration, poor storage conditions and the quality of products being sold to consumers. Officials made public announcements asking sellers to come forward and claim the food items, but no one did. The Health Minister has directed the Food Safety Department to maintain heightened surveillance and continue intensive inspections throughout the festive season.
The entire stock was subsequently confiscated and destroyed at the MCD dumping site at Majnu Ka Tila, in accordance with provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
The enforcement drive was carried out following directions from Delhi Health Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh, who said the festive rush should not compromise food safety. We will ensure that no unsafe or adulterated food reaches the people of Delhi,” Singh said, adding that strict action would be taken against those putting public health at risk.
