In an effort to ensure the quality and safety of food items reaching consumers through online platforms, the Uttar Pradesh Food Safety and Drug Administration (UPFSDA) has initiated a comprehensive statewide special inspection drive. Under the 'Shuddh Hi Shubh Hai' campaign, warehouses, dark stores, and food supply centers associated with various e-commerce platforms are being thoroughly inspected. The primary objective of this ongoing operation is to guarantee that every food product delivered to citizens is completely safe and meets all regulatory standards.
Four Store Licenses Suspended and Operations Halted
Following inspections that uncovered significant non-compliance with food safety standards, the licenses of four separate stores have been suspended, and their food business operations have been ordered to shut down. Thus far, a total of 149 inspections have been conducted, with 21 food samples collected for laboratory testing. Additionally, the food safety department teams have recommended issuing improvement notices in 79 cases. These checks place special emphasis on proper food storage conditions, premises cleanliness, temperature control, product validity periods, and adherence to licensing terms.
Severe Filth and Cockroaches Found at Ghaziabad Warehouse
During an inspection of a warehouse store located near RDL in Ghaziabad, authorities discovered alarming conditions on the premises. The inspection revealed extreme filth, cobwebs on walls, damaged flooring, and crucially, live cockroaches roaming freely in the food handling area. In light of these severe lapses in hygiene and food safety, proceedings have been initiated to suspend the establishment's food license. Maintaining high standards of cleanliness in warehouses and dark stores is critical since these facilities store food items and prepare orders for delivery, making the presence of pests and dirt a direct threat to safe food handling.
Storage and Licensing Discrepancies Uncovered in Kanpur
Multiple irregularities came to light during store inspections in Kanpur Nagar. Investigations revealed that although the establishments' licenses included provisions for controlled atmosphere and cold storage facilities, the required chambers had not actually been established on-site. Furthermore, an individual who had resigned from the designated nominee position nearly two years prior was still listed on the active license. Violations regarding the prescribed 30 percent threshold for the 'best before' period were also detected in certain confectionery products. Consequently, the authorities proceeded to suspend the licenses of these establishments and halted their food operations until all deficiencies are fully rectified.
Makhana Packets Worth Thousands Seized in Agra
During an inspection of a store in Agra, enforcement teams intercepted and seized 273 packets of makhana (fox nuts). The total market value of these seized food items is estimated to be around 68,000 rupees. Further legal proceedings regarding these substandard food products are currently underway in accordance with established rules and regulations.
Rigorous Checks Across the Entire Supply Chain
The special inspection drive encompasses every stage of the supply chain, ranging from secure storage conditions to final delivery. Enforcement teams are meticulously verifying whether food products are maintained at appropriate temperatures and if cold chain requirements are being met. Furthermore, bill vouchers, purchase records, and procurement documents related to the sourcing and supply of food items are being thoroughly examined. The personal hygiene, health records, and mandatory training documentation of personnel employed in the food business also fall under the scrutiny of this campaign. Departmental teams are actively verifying pest control measures and checking the maintenance of associated logs.
Focus on Best Before Dates and Packaging Standards
Throughout the inspections, officers are strictly checking the 'best before' dates of all available food items. Adherence to provisions governing the 30 percent and 45-day thresholds under campaign standards is being rigorously evaluated. Particular attention is being directed toward confectionery items following the discovery of expiration date irregularities. Additionally, packaging standards, handling procedures, and details concerning delivery personnel are being verified. The cleanliness of equipment and the status of Clean in Place (CIP) systems are also inspected to ensure that surfaces coming into contact with food comply with mandated hygiene benchmarks. This follows previous state-wide actions by the FSDA targeting restaurants across multiple cities, including the destruction of unhygienically manufactured soy chaap in Ghaziabad.
