In order to further strengthen the food safety enforcement and monitoring mechanism in the state as desired by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh handed over appointment letters to six newly recruited Food Safety Officers (FSOs) in the Department of Food Safety, at his office here on Wednesday.
The newly appointed officers include Anish Pal Singh, Shivali Bawa, Gurleen Kaur, Isha Rani, Priyanka, and Shubham Sharma.
Extending heartiest congratulations to the newly appointed officers, Dr Balbir Singh exhorted them to dedicate themselves to their roles, working tirelessly with utmost professionalism and commitment towards public health. Emphasising that ensuring safe and wholesome food for every citizen is a top priority of the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab Government, he encouraged them to perform their duties with integrity and vigilance to safeguard the health of the people.
The Health Minister stated that the induction of these officers will significantly enhance the capacity of the Food Safety Department, strengthening field-level monitoring and enforcement mechanisms across the state. He noted that the newly appointed officers will ensure the strict and effective implementation of food safety regulations, carry out regular inspections of food establishments, facilitate systematic sampling and testing of food items, and take prompt, stern action against violations of food safety standards.
Dr Balbir Singh further informed that these Food Safety Officers will be deployed strategically across the state in accordance with departmental requirements to carry out their statutory responsibilities under applicable food safety laws and regulations.
Wishing the candidates a bright career ahead, the Health Minister urged them to discharge their official responsibilities with dedication, ensuring that consumers across Punjab have access to unadulterated, hygienic, and standard-compliant food products.
Meanwhile, Principal Secretary Health Kumar Rahul, Director Health services Dr Hitinder Kaur, Director Health services (Family Welfare) Dr Aditi Salaria and Joint Commissioner Food Safety Dr Amit Joshi were among others who were present on the occasion.