With the festive season approaching, the Food Safety Wing in Jalandhar has intensified inspections across the city to check food quality and hygiene at sweet shops, restaurants and snack manufacturing units. During a recent inspection drive, officials found 50 kg of petha that was removed from sale and destroyed on the spot.
The campaign aims to ensure that safe and hygienic food products reach consumers during the festive rush, when demand for sweets and savouries typically increases. The team conducted inspections at establishments in Maqsudan, Mithu Basti, Nagra village and Mahavir Marg.
Five food samples sent for laboratory testing
During the drive, the Food Safety Wing collected five samples of suspected food products for laboratory testing. These included two samples of petha, one of chana barfi, one of namkeen and one of pheni.
The samples have been sent to a laboratory for analysis. The results will help determine whether the products comply with the prescribed food safety standards.
Officials also took action against food businesses where hygiene-related shortcomings were observed, as part of efforts to strengthen compliance during the festive period.
Two food businesses issued improvement notices
The department issued improvement notices to two food business operators after identifying deficiencies in cleanliness and hygiene.
Assistant Commissioner (Food) directed food business operators to follow the standards prescribed under the Food Safety and Standards Act and maintain proper sanitation at their establishments.
He warned that action would be taken under the food safety law against those found compromising public health. Officials have also indicated that inspections will continue throughout the festive season.
Food safety inspections to continue during festive season
The inspection drive is part of the department’s efforts to monitor food quality and hygiene as festive shopping and food consumption increase. Sweet shops, restaurants and snack-making units are among the establishments being checked.
Consumers are advised to purchase food from reliable establishments and pay attention to hygiene, packaging and product quality.
With further inspections planned, the Food Safety Wing’s campaign is expected to continue across Jalandhar in the coming days, with a focus on preventing the sale of potentially unsafe food products and ensuring compliance with food safety standards.