Delhi Food Safety Teams Destroy 131 kg Expired Food in Festive Raids
Delhi’s Food Safety Department carried out surprise inspections at sweet manufacturing units and wholesale markets across Okhla, Badli, Nihal Vihar, and Narela on Wednesday, identifying and destroying over 131 kilograms of expired food items.
Officials seized and disposed of expired ingredients, including besan, khoya, and atta, during the checks. The enforcement drive targeted sweet manufacturing units as well as major market hubs, including Okhla Subzi Mandi and Ghanta Ghar Subzi Mandi, ahead of the upcoming Raksha Bandhan and Janmashtami festivals.
During the drive, food safety teams gathered 37 samples of paneer, khoya, ghee, sweets, and other food products under the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. The department stated that the collected samples will be sent to designated food testing laboratories for quality analysis, with further legal proceedings to follow based on the laboratory findings.
The action comes on the heels of another major enforcement effort earlier in the week, when officials seized 508 kilograms of spurious paneer during an inspection at Okhla Sabzi Mandi.
Health Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh directed the Food Safety Department to intensify inspection, surveillance, and enforcement activities across the national capital to prevent adulteration during the festive rush.
“The health and safety of Delhi’s citizens is our foremost priority. With festive demand increasing, we have directed the Food Safety Department to maintain heightened vigilance across the city and ensure rigorous inspections and sampling. Special attention is being given to milk and milk products, sweets and other high-demand food items,” Mr. Singh said.
The minister warned that strict measures will be taken against anyone involved in the manufacture, storage, distribution, or sale of unsafe or adulterated food, calling on traders and manufacturers to comply with safety standards.
“Anyone found adulterating food items or compromising with prescribed food safety standards will not be spared. The health and safety of Delhi’s citizens is non-negotiable. Strictest possible action will be taken against those found endangering public health through the sale or distribution of adulterated or unsafe food,” Mr. Singh said.
