New Delhi: Food safety teams of Delhi govt destroyed around 131 kg of expired food items and collected 37 samples for testing Thursday as govt intensifies inspections ahead of the festive season.The teams scrutinised sweet manufacturing units, mandis, markets and food establishments, focusing on paneer, khoya, ghee, sweets and other high-demand products. Expired khoya, besan and atta were among the items destroyed on the spot. The samples collected under the provisions of Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 will be sent to laboratories for quality analysis, with further action likely based on findings.Health minister Pankaj Singh said he directed food safety department to intensify inspection, surveillance and enforcement activities across markets, manufacturing units, food establishments and other sensitive locations in view of the expected rise in demand for milk, milk products, sweets and other food items.Surprise inspections were conducted at sweet manufacturing units in Okhla, Badli, Nihal Vihar and Narela, among other areas, as well as at Okhla Subzi Mandi and Ghanta Ghar Subzi Mandi.“Govt is committed to safeguarding public health and ensuring that citizens have access to safe and wholesome food during the festive season,” Singh said. Strict action will be taken against those involved in the manufacture, storage, distribution or sale of unsafe or adulterated food products, thereby endangering public health, he added. “Anyone found adulterating food items or compromising with prescribed food safety standards will not be spared.”The move comes a day after Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) issued notices to two five-star hotels in Aerocity over “serious violations” of food safety and hygiene norms. During inspections, officials found expired food, cockroaches and flies, rotten produce, poor storage practices, improper segregation of vegetarian and non-vegetarian food, residue on utensils and employees handling food without adequate hygiene measures.The action comes ahead of BRICS Summit in Delhi on Sept 12-13, when several hotels in Aerocity are expected to accommodate foreign dignitaries.
