Dehradun: With the onset of the festive season, food safety cell of the health department has kicked off a drive to check adultration in food items at various restaurants and food outlets. This year, four teams have been formed with major focus on Doiwala, Raiwala, Vikas Nagar and Kalsi markets in Dehradun where majority of samples have failed the quality test in earlier occasions.
So far, the teams have collected samples from two dozen outlets in the city and have sent them for testing. This year, officials from the dairy department have also been included in the drive to conduct instant analysis of milk samples.
“We have already formed teams and special raids will be planned especially at some identified checkpoints. All the samples collected during the festival season in the previous year were in the sub-standard and misbranded category, which is a violation of food safety standards.” said Ganesh Kandwal, designated officer (food safety), Dehradun district.
Sources in the food department said that Asharodi and Motichur entry point to Rishikesh and Dehradun will have special teams to monitor transportation of raw food products between 2am to 4am. Meanwhile, consumers are also being advised by the officials to not purchase or demand coloured food items like sweets as those are more likely to contain substances dangerous for health.
“The reason why there are more sub-standard sweets is the demand created by public especially in the rural areas and outskirts of the city which is why we are requesting people to not choose sweets with colour as they can be adulterated,” said Kandwal.
He added that those selling dry fruits and mewa packaged without label, mentioning date of packaging and expiry date will face legal action as well.
Notably, last year, during this season, more than 100 samples were collected from Dehradun district of which around 80% were found to be sub-standard.
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