Dehradun: Acting on the strict instructions of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, the Uttarakhand government has launched a statewide special campaign to curb the sale of adulterated food items during the festive season. The drive is being carried out under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 across all districts simultaneously.
Health Secretary and Commissioner, Food Safety & Drug Administration, Dr. R. Rajesh Kumar, informed that special surveillance will be carried out on milk and dairy products, edible oils, ghee, sweets, spices, flour, maida, gram flour, and dry fruits. Samples will be collected from manufacturing units, wholesale/retail vendors, and transportation channels and tested in government laboratories.
Dr. Kumar stated that food safety officers have been instructed to conduct regular raids and send suspicious samples for laboratory testing. If any product is found unsafe or unfit for human consumption, immediate legal action will be taken, including filing FIRs, cancellation of licenses, and other punitive measures.
Government food laboratories have been directed to submit weekly test reports to the headquarters. Based on these reports, priority cases will be identified and prompt action ensured. Violators of Schedule-IV and FSSAI standards will face legal proceedings under Section-32 of the Act.
The government has also urged the public to actively participate in this campaign by reporting cases of adulteration directly through the helpline number, ensuring quick action against offenders.
