Delhi: 12 Delhi food businesses face action over failed samples

New Delhi, Jun 4 (PTI) The Delhi government’s Food Safety Department collected 217 food samples from establishments across the city in May and initiated action against 12 food business operators after their samples did not conform to prescribed standards, according to an official statement issued on Thursday.

During the month, the department received 145 food analysis reports. Of these, 133 samples met food safety standards, while 12 did not comply with the necessary norms, the statement said.

Appropriate action has been initiated against the concerned food business operators under the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, it added.

According to the statement, a substandard masala manufacturing unit operating in the Khari Baoli

market was shut down during a joint operation involving the Food Safety Department officials and the Delhi Police. The operator of this unit is facing legal action under the same Act.

The statement said the department continued surveillance, inspection and enforcement activities across the national capital during the month to ensure the availability of safe and wholesome food for consumers.

Health Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh said the government remained committed to ensuring food safety and would continue taking strict action against violators.

“The Delhi Government is committed to ensuring that every citizen has access to safe and wholesome food. The Department of Food Safety is undertaking rigorous surveillance, enforcement and compliance measures across the city,” Singh said.

To facilitate compliance and promote ease of doing business, the department processed a large number of licensing and registration applications during May, the statement mentioned.

According to the statement, 503 licenses were granted, while 753 applications for license renewals and modifications were processed.

Additionally, 4,010 registrations were issued, and 1,000 registration applications related to renewals and modifications were processed, it said.

The department said it would continue strengthening its regulatory framework through scientific sampling, targeted inspections, legal enforcement and stakeholder engagement to curb food adulteration and improve food safety standards across Delhi. PTI SGV MPL MPL