Delhi govt cracks down on food safety ahead of festivals, teams inspect sweets shops and dairies Ahead of Diwali and other festivals, Delhi's food safety department has launched intensive inspections across various areas, collecting 40 food samples and destroying around 100 kg of unhygienic products. 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. What this means for you This crackdown on food safety during the festive season is expected to protect ordinary consumers from adulterated and unsafe sweets, safeguarding public health during celebrations. • Across India: Food safety drives are intensified nationwide during festive periods to curb rampant food adulteration. General buyers should remain vigilant about food quality and hygiene standards when purchasing sweets and dairy products. • In Delhi: These ongoing raids across various Delhi neighborhoods have caused panic among sweet vendors and dairy operators, increasing the likelihood of cleaner products in local markets. Local consumers can report any suspected food adulteration directly to the department. Why this happened The surge in demand for sweets and dairy products during festivals often prompts unscrupulous operators to engage in food adulteration, posing severe risks to public health. Recognizing this heightened vulnerability, the government initiated this targeted inspection drive. • Festive Demand: Consumption of khoya, paneer, and sweets multiplies during Diwali and major celebrations, tempting rogue elements to dump substandard and contaminated goods into the supply chain. • Public Health Risks: Edibles produced in unhygienic conditions frequently cause food poisoning and other serious ailments, making timely administrative intervention crucial to prevent widespread illness. • Public Complaints: Operating unregistered units in areas like Nihal Vihar and receiving specific local grievances compelled the authorities to execute rigorous checks and punitive actions. Questions & Answers 1. In which city did the food safety department conduct recent inspection drives? The food safety department conducted inspection drives across north-east, east, Shahdara, south, and south-east areas of Delhi. 2. How many food samples were collected during the inspections? Officials collected a total of 40 food samples for laboratory testing. 3. How much food material was destroyed at the dairy in Mandoli Extension? Approximately 100 kilograms of food items unfit for human consumption were destroyed at a dairy in Mandoli Extension. 4. How many establishments were issued improvement notices? A total of eight establishments found violating regulations were issued improvement notices. 5. What irregularity was found at the Nihal Vihar unit? The sweet manufacturing unit in Nihal Vihar was found operating without any valid FSSAI registration. 6. What directives were issued by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta? Chief Minister Rekha Gupta directed regular inspections of sweet shops and dairies along with strict action against violators. https://trendkia.com/en/delhi/tyohari-sijana-men-khadya-suraksha-ko-lekara-rekha-gupta-sarakara-sakhta-delhi-bhara-ki-dukanon-aura-deyariyon-para-tabaratora-chh-57203 TrendKia — Har trend, sabse pehle.