Food samples picked from 3 city shops unfit for consumption: FDA

Dehradun: The officials of Food and Drug department, who raided three city food outlets in September last year and procured ghee, cottage cheese, and other edibles, claimed that both state and central food labs have found out that those samples are unfit for consumption and substandard. The FDA officials have now sought permission to lodge case against a local bakery and ghee manufacturer for selling substandard food items.

The raids were made after locals complained that food products from these outlets taste sour and get bad very soon. 

FDA inspector Yogendra Pandey told TOI, “As per Food Safety Standard Act of 2006, the factory owner can be booked under section 52 of the Act. Under this section, a fine of Rs 3 lakh can be imposed on the offender and under section 51 of the Act, a fine of up to Rs 5 lakh can be levied. As the food samples of all the three food outlets and factories failed the quality test, we have written to the food commissioner to initiate case against the owners of the food outlets under Food Security Act at ADM’s court.” The official added that the offenders can be imprisoned for up to 7 years for selling substandard food products. Notably, Pandey was also a member of the team which raided these outlets.

According to the FDA officials, the report of the central lab was received by the department earlier this month.