New Delhi, Nov 3 Ahead of Diwali, the Delhi government seized and destroyed 6,700 kilograms of unhygienic and foul-smelling khoya at Mori Gate market here on Tuesday. Officials said they collected 44 samples during the drive, 35 of which failed preliminary tests.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta visited the market to oversee the operation, which the Food Safety Department (FSD) conducted to prevent suspected adulterated food products from entering the supply chain, according to a statement.
Officials said the FSD collected 44 samples and tested them on the spot using its ‘Food Safety on Wheels’ mobile testing facility, and of them, 35 failed the preliminary tests, while two additional samples were collected and sent to a laboratory for detailed examination.
The FSD has destroyed 10,660 kilograms of khoya during its festive-season crackdown, the statement read. The department destroyed 2,830 kilograms of khoya on September 4, 610 kilograms on September 8 and another 520 kilograms on October 23.
The preliminary tests also indicated the presence of milk powder, vanaspati and binding substances in the suspected material. The FSD said it has initiated further laboratory examination. “Strictest legal action will be taken against those trying to spoil the festive season, regardless of their influence,” the chief minister said.
She said the government would not compromise on public health and that ensuring access to safe and quality food during the festive season was among its foremost responsibilities.
“There will be zero tolerance for any threat to public health,” the chief minister said.
The operation was the department’s fourth drive at the Mori Gate khoya market, the statement said.
Gupta directed officials to continue the crackdown with the same promptness and commitment, it said.
Health Minister Dr Pankaj Kumar Singh said food safety is non-negotiable.
“There will be zero tolerance towards food adulteration, and inspections will continue round the clock throughout the year. As long as I am serving as Health Minister, there will be no compromise on food safety, and I will not allow anyone to play with the health of Delhi’s residents,” he said.
The FSD collected 429 food samples in the last two months, comprising 307 enforcement samples and 122 surveillance samples. During this period, officials conducted 32 field days of inspection and enforcement activities, it said.
(PTI News)
