Food safety team conducts raid at cold store
With the festive season approaching, the Food Safety Department has stepped up inspections against the sale and storage of adulterated and unsafe food items in Barnala.
In a major action, a Food Safety Department team led by District Food Safety Officer Charanjit Singh conducted a raid at a cold store near the Tarksheel Chowk area following information received by the department. During the inspection, officials recovered around 200 kg of khoya barfi, which they said was found in an extremely poor condition.
According to the department, the barfi had visible signs of fungal growth and was allegedly being stored for further sale.
Samples collected for laboratory testing
Food Safety officials collected samples of the recovered sweets in the presence of the concerned shopkeeper. The samples are being sent for laboratory examination, and further legal action will be taken based on the test results and applicable food safety regulations.
Officials said the remaining spoiled sweets would be destroyed after the sampling process.
The department also inspected Kartik Sweets, a shop on the Barnala-Bajakhana Road, which officials said was linked to the storage of the recovered barfi.
Department warns against unsafe festive food
The action comes amid increased demand for sweets, dairy products and other food items during the festive season. Officials said regular inspections are being conducted across the district to ensure that food businesses comply with safety and quality standards.
The Food Safety Department also said that around 600 kg of paneer had been recovered in an action carried out during the previous week.
Officials have indicated that inspections will continue in the coming days, particularly at establishments dealing in sweets, milk products, dairy items and other food products.
Media coverage reportedly faces resistance
During the inspection at Kartik Sweets, the media team covering the Food Safety Department's action was allegedly stopped from recording by people associated with the establishment.
The media team also alleged that they faced misbehaviour while covering the inspection. A person seen on camera identified himself and provided his details, but reportedly avoided answering questions related to the condition of the recovered sweets.
The allegations concerning the conduct of the shop's management remain separate from the Food Safety Department's investigation into the recovered food items.
Legal action to depend on test results
The recovery of nearly two quintals of allegedly mouldy khoya barfi has once again brought attention to the importance of food safety checks during the festive season.
The Food Safety Department has said that the laboratory reports will determine the next course of legal action against the concerned parties. Meanwhile, officials have appealed to consumers to remain cautious while purchasing sweets and other food products and to avoid compromising on quality merely because of lower prices.
With festive demand expected to remain high, the department has maintained that inspections across Barnala district will continue to prevent unsafe food products from reaching consumers.