Safety Test Results Unveiled
The Uttarakhand government has officially disclosed that a notable percentage of food samples subjected to safety evaluations over the last three financial
years did not meet the required standards. Specifically, out of 4,909 food samples that were gathered for analysis during the periods of 2023–24, 2024–25, and up to the current point in 2025–26, a substantial 524 samples were identified as either substandard, unsafe for consumption, or incorrectly labeled. This translates to approximately 10.7% of all samples tested failing to comply with established food safety regulations, indicating a persistent challenge in ensuring the integrity of food products available to the public within the state.
Assembly Discussions on Adulteration
The alarming statistics regarding food safety failures were brought to light during a key session of the state assembly in Gairsain. The issue of food adulteration was specifically debated during the Question Hour on the fourth day of the budget session. A prominent Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA, Brij Bhushan Gairola representing the Doiwala constituency, voiced concerns that the implementation of effective measures against those involved in food adulteration is being hindered by a shortage of qualified Food Safety Officers. He pointed out that several positions within the Food Safety and Drug Administration (FDA) remain vacant, potentially impeding the agency's ability to conduct thorough inspections and take swift action against offenders.
Government's Response and Actions
In response to the concerns raised, the state's Health Minister, Dhan Singh Rawat, provided a detailed written reply to the assembly. He explained that the FDA proactively conducts inspections of food business operators and collects samples when suspicions arise. Following the collection of these samples, legal proceedings are initiated in competent courts to prosecute individuals whose products are found to be substandard, unsafe, or misbranded, contingent upon the analysis reports provided by the food analyst. The minister elaborated on the yearly figures: in the fiscal year 2023–24, 1,627 samples were tested, resulting in 171 failures. For 2024–25, 1,684 samples were collected, with 159 failing. Most recently, in 2025–26, 1,598 samples have been tested, and a concerning 194 have been found to be non-compliant.
Addressing Staff Shortages
The issue of vacant positions within the Food Safety and Drug Administration (FDA) was also addressed by the Health Minister. He acknowledged that there are currently nine vacant posts for Senior Food Safety Officers, for which promotion processes are underway according to established rules. Furthermore, to bolster the ranks, a formal request has been submitted to the Uttarakhand Public Service Commission (UKPSC) to directly recruit personnel for 28 vacant positions of Food Safety Officer. This move aims to strengthen the department's capacity to monitor and enforce food safety standards effectively across the state. The establishment of a new Food Analysis Laboratory in Dehradun is also progressing, with posts created for this facility, and analysis is anticipated to commence by March 31.
