— 200 SAMPLES COLLECTED IN TWO-DAY CRACKDOWN TO ENSURE QUALITY OF DAIRY PRODUCTS: DR BALBIR SINGH
— STRICT ACTION TO BE INITIATED AGAINST VIOLATORS UNDER FOOD SAFETY AND STANDARDS ACT, SAYS HEALTH MINISTER
CHANDIGARH, May 8:
In a continuous effort to fulfil the mandate of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to ensure the availability of safe and high-quality food products, Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) Punjab has carried out an extensive two-day long statewide milk sampling drive. The drive was conducted on Wednesday and Thursday.
The drive, which was carried out under the directions of Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh and supervision of Commissioner FDA Punjab Kanwalpreet Brar, targeted various points across the dairy supply chain.
Dr Balbir Singh informed that early morning nakas (checkpoints) were established throughout the state, leading to the collection of 200 milk samples from dairy farms, collection centres, processing units, and retail outlets in both urban and rural sectors.
The collected samples have been sent to accredited State Food laboratory for analysis to detect any type of adulteration, contamination, and compliance with prescribed standards, said the Health Minister, while issuing stern warning, “Any Food Business Operator (FBO) found violating the norms will face strict legal action as per the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.”
Dr Balbir Singh also appealed to the public to remain vigilant and act as partners in this mission by reporting any suspected cases of food adulteration to the concerned authorities.
Reiterating the commitment of Punjab Government to safeguard public health by eliminating adulterated milk from the supply chain, the Health Minister assured the people of Punjab that this sampling drive is part of an ongoing, strengthened enforcement campaign that will continue in the coming weeks to ensure a “Healthy and Rangla Punjab.”
Emphasising the department’s commitment to vigilance, Commissioner FDA Kanwalpreet Brar noted that the Food Safety Officers (FSOs) are not only enforcing the law but also sensitising vendors and dairy operators about hygienic handling and proper storage practices. She stressed that maintaining high standards in the dairy sector is non-negotiable for the well-being of the citizens.
Meanwhile, the sampling drive will continue in the coming weeks as part of the department’s ongoing campaign to strengthen food safety enforcement across Punjab.
