Delhi Intensifies Food Safety Checks and Destroys 100 kg of Unsafe Food Before Diwali

Food Safety Inspections Ramp Up Before Diwali

As Diwali approaches, the Delhi government is taking strong measures to ensure food safety throughout the city. With festivities in full swing, the Food Safety Department has launched an extensive inspection campaign targeting sweet shops, dairies, and food manufacturing units in various regions including North-East, East, Shahdara, South, and South-East Delhi.

Destruction of Unsafe Food Materials

During these rigorous inspections, officials collected 40 samples of food items such as sweets and dairy products for testing. Alarmingly, nearly 100 kg of food deemed unfit for human consumption was destroyed, as confirmed by the Chief Minister's Office (CMO).

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta emphasized the importance of food safety during the festive season, stating that the joy of celebrations can only be savored when families receive pure and healthy food. The Chief Minister pointed out that food adulteration and the sale of contaminated goods pose significant health risks to the public.

Regular Inspections and Strict Enforcement

Underlining the government's commitment to public health, Ms. Gupta instructed the Food Safety Department to increase the frequency of inspections. Stricter actions against offenders are to be enforced under the law. "The Delhi government will not tolerate any negligence in this regard," Gupta stated. She directed officials to ensure thorough checks and to act decisively against those who violate food safety regulations.

During inspections in the North-East, East, and Shahdara areas, departmental teams identified several problematic food items. Among the 22 samples collected were khoya, paneer, ghee, kalakand, laddu, gulab jamun, and assorted dry fruit gift packs. In one instance at a dairy in Mandoli Extension, officials found khoya and rasgullas that emitted foul odors, as well as milk contaminated with insects.

Action Across the City

In a separate effort in South and South-East Delhi, inspectors evaluated 12 different establishments, including sweet production units. A total of 18 additional food samples—including laddu, barfi, kalakand, and skimmed milk powder—were taken for analysis. The department also acted on consumer complaints about a sweet manufacturing unit located in Nihal Vihar.

Last week, following revelations of adulterated food products discovered during city-wide inspections, Chief Minister Gupta announced plans to modernize the Food Safety Department. Enhancements will include upgrading equipment and increasing personnel to bolster the inspection process. She has also proposed measures such as blacklisting offending brands, imposing substantial fines, and revoking licenses of rule violators.