Govt orders anti-food adulteration drive ahead of Diwali

Health Minister A K Walia issued the order asking department of food safety to launch the drive in all major markets across the city.

Officials said the drive is being launched as sale and purchase of sweets witnesses a surge in the run up to Diwali and in view of increase in demand adulteration also goes up during this period.

The department has been asked to lift samples of kutu atta, milk, cheese, khoya, ghee, oil and wheat flour from various markets.

"Further it has been decided to keep a close eye on the use of colours in sweets during Dusehra and Dewali," said an official.

Walia said adulteration in food items will not be tolerated and those involved in it would be booked under the Food Safety and Standards Act.

The stringent legislation had come into force in the city last year.

As per the legislation, manufacturers of adulterated food may face imprisonment up to seven years with fine of Rs 10 lakh. In case of death caused due to adulterated food items, the maximum punishment will be life term and fine will be up to Rs 10 lakh.

"Orders have been issued to Department of Food Safety to come down hard on the adulterators. We will not compromise on health of the citizens," said Walia.

He said directions have been issued to ensure quick testing of the samples in designated laboratories and take action based on the report.