Delhi inspections destroy 131kg of expired food before festive season

Food-safety teams destroyed about 131kg of expired khoya, besan and atta during Delhi government inspections on Thursday and collected 37 samples for laboratory testing.

The checks covered sweet manufacturing units, mandis, markets and other food establishments. Inspectors focused on paneer, khoya, ghee, sweets and other products expected to see higher demand during the festive season. Teams conducted surprise visits at units in Okhla, Badli, Nihal Vihar and Narela, as well as Okhla Subzi Mandi and Ghanta Ghar Subzi Mandi.

Teams collected the samples under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and will analyse them for quality. Health Minister Pankaj Singh said the department had been directed to increase inspections, surveillance and enforcement across markets, manufacturing units and other locations.

Singh said action would follow against those found to be manufacturing, storing, distributing or selling unsafe or adulterated food. Laboratory findings from the 37 samples will determine further action.