Patiala News:Food Safety Department intensifies campaign against adulteration and unsafe food products
-38 enforcement samples have been collected so far in September, including 20 samples of khoya, paneer and other milk products: Dr. Gurpreet Kaur
-15 improvement notices and one challan for unsanitary conditions; 547 kg of suspected cheese seized and samples sent for testing
In view of the festivals, the Food Safety Department, Patiala is continuously intensifying the inspection, sampling and enforcement campaign in the district to provide safe, hygienic and quality food items to the people. Meanwhile, the department has clarified that no food item can be called adulterated on the basis of mere suspicion, appearance, hearsay or unverified information. Adulteration or violation of prescribed standards in any item is confirmed only on the basis of prescribed scientific examination and, where necessary, the report of an authorized food laboratory.
District Health Officer Dr. Gurpreet Kaur said that during the last week, the Food Safety Team conducted a special inspection of various units manufacturing, manufacturing and selling sweets, bakery products and other food items. Recording the deficiencies found during the inspection, 15 improvement notices were issued, while one unit was also challaned for unhygienic conditions. The concerned food business operators have been directed to rectify the deficiencies within the stipulated time. Failure to do so will result in further action as per the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and the rules made thereunder.
Dr. Gurpreet Kaur said that a total of 38 enforcement samples have been collected so far during the month of September, out of which 20 samples are of khoya, paneer and other milk and milk products. These samples have been sent to the laboratory for testing for adulteration and confirmation of compliance with the prescribed food safety and quality standards. After receiving the laboratory reports, wherever violation is proven, appropriate action will be taken as per the law.
He said that on 23 September 2026, a vehicle was stopped at Shambhu border by the Food Safety Team and about 547 kg of cheese was seized, the safety and quality of which required confirmation. As per the prescribed procedure, its samples have been taken and sent for laboratory testing. He said that the final status of this cheese will be determined only on the basis of the laboratory report.
Dr. Gurpreet Kaur said that the department will continue its testing and sampling drive in the coming days to protect the health and interests of consumers, especially during the festive season. She appealed to the food business operators to ensure full compliance with the prescribed food safety standards regarding cleanliness, storage, preparation and sale.
He also appealed to the media and the general public to rely on validated testing and laboratory reports before reaching any conclusions about food products. He said that claims made without scientific verification can create unnecessary anxiety among consumers as well as affect legally operating businesses.
The Food Safety Department, Patiala has clarified that wherever a violation is proven through investigation or laboratory report, appropriate legal action will be taken as per the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and applicable rules and regulations.