Patiala News:Food Safety Department, Patiala Intensifies Enforcement Drive: Two Licences Suspended, 21 Improvement Notices Issued and Six Challans Initiated

– Two food business licences suspended during September and October 2026.

– 21 Improvement Notices issued and six challans initiated against food business operators for violations of food safety standards.

– Five quintals of ghee seized from Rajesh Traders, Patiala; 547 kg of paneer seized in Rajpura and 120 kg in Chhatera.

– Awareness camps organised for sweet shop owners and dairy product sellers ahead of the festive season.

The Food Safety Department, Patiala, has intensified its enforcement drive against food adulteration and violations of prescribed food safety standards across the district. During September and October 2026, the department collected

A total of 136 food samples and seized substantial quantities of milk, paneer, ghee and other food products as part of its efforts to safeguard public health, particularly ahead of the festive season.

Sharing details of the enforcement activities, District Health Officer Dr. Gurpreet Kaur informed that 547 kg of paneer was seized in Rajpura, 120 kg was seized from Chhatera.

In a major enforcement action, five quintals (500 kg) of ghee were seized from Rajesh Traders, Patiala, on suspicion of food safety violations.

Furthermore, 21 different products related to health supplements were also seized during the enforcement drive.

The department also suspended the licences of two food business operators, namely Mittal Patisa and Vaid Vidyasagar Private Limited, due to violations of prescribed food safety requirements. Further, 21 Improvement Notices were issued to food business operators for deficiencies and non-compliance with food safety standards, while 6 six challans were initiated against violators.

Alongside enforcement activities, the Food Safety Department has also undertaken preventive measures to promote food safety and hygiene. Awareness meetings were organised for sweet shop owners, dairy product sellers and representatives of dairy associations ahead of the festive season. During these meetings, food business operators were directed to exercise strict vigilance while procuring paneer, khoya and other dairy products, particularly from suppliers in other states. They were also instructed to purchase food products only from reliable sources and maintain proper bills, invoices and supplier records to ensure traceability and quality.

Dr. Gurpreet Kaur further stated that legal proceedings against violators were also being initiated in the courts of the Additional Deputy Commissioner and the Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM), as applicable, in accordance with the relevant provisions of law.

The District Health Officer emphasised that the Food Safety Team, Patiala, would continue conducting rigorous inspections, surveillance and sampling drives across the district to ensure compliance with prescribed food safety standards and protect public health during the festive season. All food business operators were urged to strictly adhere to statutory requirements and ensure that only safe, hygienic and quality food products are supplied to consumers.