508kg spurious paneer destroyed in Delhi as food safety checks intensify ahead of festive season

Enforcement drive ahead of festive season

The Food Safety Department of the Government of NCT of Delhi has intensified its enforcement and inspection activities across the capital ahead of the forthcoming festive season, including Raksha Bandhan, according to officials and a department release. The move aims to ensure citizens have access to safe, hygienic and wholesome food.

As part of a major enforcement drive at Okhla Sabzi Mandi, the department destroyed approximately 508 kg of spurious paneer found during inspection. Legal action has been initiated under the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and applicable rules and regulations.

In the last two days, the department has also lifted 22 enforcement samples of various food articles from different districts across Delhi. The samples have been sent to designated laboratories for detailed analysis, with further action to be taken based on the test reports.

Minister's 'zero tolerance' stance

Delhi Health Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh said that food safety remains a priority of the Delhi Government, particularly during the festive season when demand for milk products, paneer, sweets, edible oils and other food items increases significantly. He told reporters the government would have "zero tolerance" for food adulteration.

"Festivals are a time of happiness and celebration, and every family has the right to enjoy festive food without worrying about its safety," Singh said. "The Delhi Government will take strict action against those who compromise with food quality or put the health of citizens at risk. Our enforcement teams are working proactively across the city to prevent the sale of adulterated and substandard food items."

Officials also said the minister noted that dedicated teams had been deployed in every district to inspect food establishments, markets and supply points and take action wherever violations are found.

Teams and state of heightened surveillance

According to the official release, each district has been provided with adequate teams for regular inspection, sampling and monitoring of food establishments, markets and supply points. The teams have been instructed to remain vigilant and undertake necessary enforcement action wherever violations are detected.

Officials said the intensified checks would continue in the coming days, focusing not only on enforcement but also on monitoring the food supply chain to prevent unsafe and substandard products from reaching consumers. The department has warned manufacturers, suppliers and establishments involved in the manufacture, storage, distribution or sale of adulterated or unsafe food products of strict action.

The Food Safety Department said strict action will be taken against individuals, manufacturers, suppliers or establishments involved in the manufacture, storage, distribution or sale of unsafe, adulterated or substandard food items.