The Delhi government, led by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, has intensified inspections of food stores across the capital ahead of the festive season amid concerns over adulteration, substandard products, expired food items and incorrect labelling. The Food Safety Department seized more than 322 kg of ghee in two inspections in Vikaspuri and Hastal village, while collecting samples of several other food products for laboratory testing.The inspections were also conducted at stores promoting attractive offers, including ‘buy one, get one free’ deals and discounts of up to 60 per cent on social media.
The department is examining whether food products sold by these establishments comply with prescribed safety standards, including requirements relating to quality, packaging, labelling and validity.The campaign comes amid rising demand for food products during the festive season, with the government seeking to ensure that consumers have access to safe food and that violations of food safety regulations are dealt with in accordance with the law.322 KG OF GHEE SEIZED IN VIKASPURI, HASTALDuring an inspection at Maxcart Store and Agarwal Store in Vikaspuri, the Food Safety Department collected five enforcement samples of ghee from different brands and five surveillance samples of other food products. A total of 75.53 litres of ghee was seized during the operation.
In a separate inspection at Agarwal Store in Hastal village, officials collected three enforcement samples of ghee from the Shri Shaan, Vrinda Farms and Avtar brands. The team seized 246 kg of ghee at the premises.The two operations resulted in the seizure of more than 322 kg of ghee, with the quantity seized in Vikaspuri recorded in litres and that in Hastal recorded in kilograms.
The department has documented its findings from both inspections. Further action against the establishments will be determined after reviewing the inspection records and laboratory reports.
The samples will be examined to assess the quality of the products and their compliance with prescribed food safety standards.SWEETS, MAKHANA AND BISCUITS ALSO SAMPLEDThe food safety drive extended to several other establishments across Delhi, with officials collecting samples of products ranging from confectionery to biscuits and spices.At Sahib Sons on Library Road in Azad Market, which operates under the trade name Vicon International, officials collected two samples of sugar-boiled confectionery over suspected incorrect labelling. The samples were sent to the state laboratory for testing.At Jain Store in Lajpat Nagar, officials collected samples of makhana and turmeric powder.The department also inspected Yug Basket Private Limited in Rithala, where samples of two varieties of biscuits, soft candy and sugar-based candy were collected.Officials recorded certain deficiencies relating to compliance with food safety standards during inspections at these establishments.
Further action will be taken in accordance with the law, based on the findings and the available evidence.SOCIAL MEDIA DISCOUNTS UNDER FOOD SAFETY DEPARTMENT'S SCANNERThe department is also examining stores that advertise steep discounts and free products through social media reels and promotional campaigns. These include offers such as ‘buy one, get one free’ and discounts of up to 60 per cent.Such promotions have been brought under scrutiny as part of the wider festive-season food safety drive.
Officials are checking whether the products being sold meet prescribed standards, with inspections covering their quality, packaging, labelling and validity.The focus is not limited to promotional offers. The department is also looking for violations involving adulteration, substandard food products, expired items and incorrect labelling.
If violations are established, the establishments concerned may face legal action under the applicable rules.REKHA GUPTA SAYS PUBLIC HEALTH IS THE PRIORITYChief Minister Rekha Gupta has said that the government will not compromise on food quality or public health during the festive season. She stressed that adulteration and irregularities involving food products would not be tolerated and that the health of Delhi residents must be protected.The Chief Minister said food safety was directly linked to public health and reiterated the government's priority of ensuring that consumers have access to safe, good-quality food that meets prescribed standards.She also urged consumers to remain vigilant while purchasing food products.
Buyers should check packaging, product quality, manufacturing dates and expiry dates before making purchases. Consumers should exercise caution if they have concerns about a product's quality or labelling.The inspections and laboratory testing will help determine the next course of action against establishments where violations are found.
The government has stepped up monitoring during the festive season to ensure that food products sold in Delhi meet safety requirements and that any confirmed violations are addressed under the law.- Ends