New Delhi, Sep 23 The Delhi government’s Food Safety Department teams have seized and destroyed over 4,100 Kg adulterated Khoya, Chhena (milk product) and analogue Paneer, ahead of the upcoming festival season.
The department collected 30 samples from Mori Gate Khoya Mandi out of which 22 were found unsafe for human consumption. Also, 12 of 19 Khoya and Chhena (products used in sweet making) were substandard, said a Delhi CMO statement on Wednesday.
The quantity of adulterated Paneer, Khoya and Chenna, totalling over 4100 Kg, was recovered and destroyed by the food safety teams in a month long drive, it said.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said her government is committed to ensure safe food for Delhiites during festive season.
The enforcement drives were conducted across major markets and food-selling points in Delhi, including Okhla Sabzi Mandi, Mori Gate Khoya Mandi, Bagh Diwar, Sanjay Market, Chhoti Sabzi Mandi in Janakpuri, Mochi Market in Shahdara, Ghazipur and Jheel.
The department has also conducted online inspections. During these drives, food business operators were instructed to strictly follow prescribed hygiene standards and sell only genuine food products that meet the required standards.
Prosecution proceedings have been initiated against the food business operators under the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, over the recoveries of adulterated products.
The department has made it clear that action against food business operators violating food safety regulations will continue as per the rules.
The Food Safety team also carried out raids at various locations, including Khari Baoli, Okhla Sabzi Mandi, the Jheel area of east Delhi and Janakpuri Mandi in west Delhi on Wednesday.
The drive will continue until the festive season is over. Those who put people’s health at risk through adulteration will face strict action, warned Chief Minister Gupta.
She has directed the Food Safety Department to conduct regular inspections in markets, collect samples of suspected food products and take action as per the rules against food business operators, added the statement.
(PTI News)
