Delhi authorities seized 948.9 litres of substandard or suspected adulterated ghee during raids at three locations and collected 15 samples from two markets for laboratory testing, news agency Press Trust of India reported, citing officials.The action, came ahead of Diwali, was part of the Delhi government's intensified drive against food adulteration during the festive season. Further action will be taken based on the laboratory findings.According to a government statement, Food Safety Department officials conducted the raids on Wednesday at Bhogal Market in southeast Delhi, Najafgarh Market in southwest Delhi and Shiv Vihar in northeast Delhi.Teams seized 389.9 litres of ghee from Bhogal Market and 338 litres from Najafgarh Market.
Another 221 litres of suspected adulterated ghee was seized during a joint operation with the Delhi Police in Shiv Vihar, officials told PTI. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the Food Safety Department would be modernised and its staff strength increased to speed up inspections and enforcement."The inspection system was being equipped with modern technology to ensure timely action against irregularities," she said.
Gupta added that personnel could be drawn from other departments, if required, to expand monitoring. She said the drive against adulteration would continue throughout the year and would not be restricted to the festive season.
No one involved in adulteration, including branded companies, would be spared, she said, while announcing plans for an intensive public awareness campaign.Residents can report complaints about food adulteration, poor-quality food or the sale of expired products on the department's helpline, 1800-11-3921, during office hours, the statement said.The government said the seizures, laboratory tests, plans to strengthen the Food Safety Department and public awareness campaign were part of its year-round action against food adulteration.- Ends