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FDAs carry out raids and implement stringent measures ahead of Diwali
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Wednesday, 08 November, 2023, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
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Aanchal Chaudhary, Mumbai
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As the Diwali and festive season approaches, the Food and Drug Administration (FDAs) of different states are taking proactive measures to enhance the food safety standards.
With focus on safeguarding public health, the FDAs are conducting raids actively in different States and have introduced new and stringent regulations aimed at addressing potential food safety concerns associated with the preparation and distribution of festive foods.
The regulatory scrutiny by the Punjab FDA has been tightened, with increased monitoring and inspection activities targeting production units, distribution networks, and retail establishments involved in the handling of milk products. In the month of October, the FDA conducted testing on 934 samples of milk products and sweets. Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh asserts that individuals compromising quality standards will face strict action. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab Government is committed to ensuring that the festivities are accompanied by pure and unadulterated delights.
Similarly the FDA in Mumbai has conducted multiple raids targeting vendors allegedly compromising on food safety standards during the festive season. On November 3, Zone 7 targeted M/s Mangaldeep Foods, resulting in the seizure of 58.4 kg of imported RBD palmolein oil valued at Rs 5,265 due to label contravention and reused tins. Additionally, a raid on November 4, Zone 12 raided the premises of Nikhil Bharat Agarwal at Borivali East, seizing 209 kg of Sweet Halwa (Mawa) worth Rs 52,270 due to label contravention and unhygienic storage conditions. Another raid on the same day by Zone 07 at Sakinaka led to the seizure of Refined sunflower oil (Suncare) and imported RBD palmolein oil from Arbazz Baradia's establishment, M/s Pragati Oil Mill. The total seized stock amounted to Rs 107,120, with the reason for seizure being unhygienic storage conditions and suspicion of substandard quality. The FDA vows stringent action against those found guilty, highlighting the ongoing efforts to ensure food safety during the festive season.
Dharamraobaba Bhagwantrao Atram, Cabinet Minister of Food and Drug Administration, Maharashtra, said to FnB News, “During Diwali and festive season special drives are conducted for sampling and inspections of food articles like milk and milk products, oil and vanaspati, atta, rava, maida. Surveillance samples were collected from the market to check food adulteration. Awareness is created in places of crowd, schools, colleges through Food Safety on Wheels (Mobile Lab). Eat Right Initiatives such as Eat Right School, Eat Right Campus, Hygiene Rating of food businesses, Clean street food hub, Millet Mela, Walkathon, FoSTaC trainings for FBOs, BHOG (Blissful and Hygienic Offerings to God), are being implemented.”
“There are 28 Regulations composed which consist of various guidelines for food manufacturers and distributors (FBOs). The food authority issues advisory as and when required. Example - Best before date or expiry date should be displayed on containers of Indian sweets, copy of licence should be displayed at prominent places in the premises. The Food and Drug Administration is always alert on eve of the festive season from August to December.” he added.
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