To ensure that citizens receive completely pure, safe, and high-quality food items during Diwali and other upcoming festivals, the food safety department of the Delhi government has stepped up its enforcement efforts. As part of this ongoing drive, multiple specialized teams conducted surprise inspections at various sweet shops, dairy farms, and food processing units located across north-east, east, Shahdara, south, and south-east Delhi. During these extensive checks, officials collected a total of 40 samples of various sweets and milk products to verify whether the edibles available in the market meet the required standards.
Contaminated food destroyed in Mandoli Extension
A major crackdown took place at a dairy located in Mandoli Extension, where approximately 100 kilograms of food items were found completely unfit for human consumption. Inspection teams discovered that the khoya stored on the premises was emitting a foul odor, while the rasgullas and milk were heavily contaminated with flies and mosquitoes. This hazardous material was immediately destroyed on the spot to prevent any health risks. Additionally, eight different establishments found violating regulations were issued formal improvement notices to ensure strict adherence to hygiene norms. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has issued clear directives to the food safety department to conduct regular inspections of sweet shops, dairies, and food manufacturing units, and to take stern legal action against violators.
Widespread sampling in North-East and East Delhi
During thorough investigations in the north-east, east, and Shahdara zones, administrative teams collected 22 different food samples, including khoya, paneer, desi ghee, kalakand, laddoos, gulab jamuns, and dry fruit gift packs. The primary objective of this crackdown is to curb the sale of adulterated sweets in the festive market. Officials visited various shops to closely inspect cleanliness levels and the quality of raw materials being used.
Unregistered manufacturing unit flagged in Nihal Vihar
Keeping the sensitivity of the festive season in mind, a special inspection drive was also carried out in south and south-east Delhi. A total of 12 business establishments, including sweet shops and manufacturing units, were inspected during this phase. Officials collected 18 samples consisting of laddoos, burfi, kalakand, rasgulla, khoya, chhena, paneer, desi ghee, and skimmed milk powder. Furthermore, acting on a public complaint regarding a sweet manufacturing unit in Nihal Vihar, a departmental team promptly visited the location and collected three samples for testing. Upon investigation, it was revealed that the unit was operating without any valid FSSAI registration.
Strict focus on sanitation standards
During the inspections, teams also checked whether establishments were complying with mandated hygiene and sanitation regulations during food preparation and storage. Wherever deficiencies were identified, improvement notices were served to the operators. The department has clarified that further legal action will be initiated based on detailed laboratory test reports of the collected samples and the facts uncovered during inspections.
Public health is our top priority
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta emphasized that the true joy of festivals lies in ensuring that the food reaching every household is safe and healthy. CM Rekha stated, “Protecting public health and maintaining consumer trust is the government's top priority.” She reiterated that any form of adulteration and negligence toward hygiene standards will not be tolerated under any circumstances, aiming to build a system where residents receive reliable and quality food products throughout the year and especially during festive occasions.
