Pre-Navratri Raids
In anticipation of the Navratri festival, the food safety department in Noida conducted a series of inspections across the district, resulting in the confiscation of a significant quantity of loose buckwheat
flour. During these operations, a food safety team visited Santosh Traders in Kulesra, Greater Noida, and discovered 244 packets of kuttu flour, each weighing 250 grams, which conspicuously lacked essential batch numbers and manufacturing dates. The absence of this crucial documentation made it challenging to verify the flour's suitability for consumption, especially considering its relatively short shelf life. Subsequently, officials took samples and sealed approximately 238 kg of loose flour along with the 240 packets. A similar discovery was made at Muskan Traders, also located in Kulesra, where 70 kg of loose buckwheat flour without proper documentation and labeling were found. These actions reflect a proactive approach to ensuring the quality and safety of food products available to the public during a period of increased demand.
Broader Scope of Checks
The food safety department's vigilance extended beyond kuttu flour, with multiple teams engaged in comprehensive checks throughout the region. One team meticulously collected samples of both buckwheat flour and water chestnut flour from a processing facility situated in Sector 49, indicating a thorough examination of various essential items. Another inspection at a grocery store in Kasna led to the collection of a sample of raisins. In total, seven distinct samples were procured during these raids and subsequently dispatched for rigorous laboratory testing to assess their quality and safety standards. To ensure compliance and prevent future issues, strict directives were issued to all food business operators. These instructions emphasized the imperative of procuring products exclusively from licensed suppliers, diligently maintaining accurate purchase records, and guaranteeing clear and complete labeling, which includes manufacturing dates and batch numbers. This multi-faceted approach aims to uphold the integrity of the food supply chain.
Past Incidents Prompt Action
This crackdown is a direct response to a concerning incident that occurred just over a month prior. On February 15th, a large number of residents, at least 70 individuals from three different societies in Greater Noida West—specifically Supertech Ecovillage 3, Himalayan Pride, and Royal Court Society—experienced illness after consuming meals prepared with kuttu flour during the Mahashivratri observance. Investigations by food department officials successfully traced the source of the contaminated buckwheat flour to a manufacturing unit located in Chipyana Buzurg village. The manufacturer in question, identified as HD Spices, had reportedly obtained its supply license from the Ghaziabad food department. Following a formal complaint lodged by a food safety officer, legal proceedings were initiated. An FIR was registered at the Bisrakh police station under Section 275 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which pertains to the sale of noxious food or drink, alongside relevant provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. During the ensuing investigation, four individuals, including the owner of the warehouse implicated in the supply, were detained for questioning.
Ghaziabad Seizures
Parallel enforcement actions were also observed in Ghaziabad, where an extensive crackdown resulted in the seizure of over 3.5 tonnes of various food items, including buckwheat flour and rock salt. The chief food safety officer for Ghaziabad, Ashutosh Rai, detailed the inspection of a facility named M/s Gogia Grinders on Ramte Ram Road. During this inspection, a substantial stock of substandard products was confiscated. Specifically, the team discovered 2,520 kg of buckwheat flour, packed in 63 sacks, and 1,050 kg of rock salt, stored in 40 sacks. The seller was unable to furnish any supporting documentation for these items, and officials could not verify their expiry dates. Consequently, food items valued at approximately Rs 4 lakh were seized. As part of the investigative process, three samples were collected from the raid site and have been sent for laboratory analysis to determine their compliance with safety regulations.
