PUNJAB FOOD INSPECTORS TOLD TO BE HARSH WITH ADULTERATORS

The Punjab Government on Thursday issued directions to take strict action against violators of the Food Safety and Standards Act of India (FSSAI).

The directives were issued by the State Food and Drug Administration (FDA) commissioner Varun Roojam to all FDA officers during a high level meeting, attended by Assistant Commissioners (Food Safety), all Food Safety Officers and Designated Officers.

Roojam asked the officers to deal with the nefarious elements indulging in malpractice of food adulteration with iron hands.

“As per the directions given by Health and Family Welfare Minister Brahm Mohindra, the Department is committed to curb the practice of food adulteration and immediately put an end to any possible nexus,” he said.

It was emphasised that food adulteration was very sensitive issue, as it touches the life, well-being and health of common people, therefore all necessary measures must be taken by the food safety officers to ensure that only healthy and hygienic food items are sold in the market.

Food Safety Officers were asked to work dedicatedly and also ensure that the adequate food samples are obtained to match the specified targets and routine inspections must also be carried regularly.

FDA Commissioner told the officers to identify the shortcomings within the department and remove them promptly and adopt the best practices to make the system completely transparent and responsive.

Pulling up the districts that have not been able to accomplish the specified targets of food sampling, Roojam directed them to step up their performance and give the desired results without any further delay. “Any complaints being received from public should be looked into and redressed promptly so that a trust between government and public could be built up,” he said.

It was discussed that regular sampling of products of big companies, as well as loose food items being sold in the open market needs to be stepped up, with special emphasis on milk and milk products like khoa, ghee etc as milk products are consumed more frequently by public.