In state, every fifth food sample found substandard

Chandigarh, November 12

Every fifth food sample tested in the past four months was found sub-standard in the state.

As per a report pertaining to four months from June to September this year, the Food and Drug Authority collected total 3,548 samples. Out of these, 2,817 were found safe, but 719 (over 20 per cent) were found sub-standard. 

In these four months, the FDA has also filed over 1,250 cases. Of these, 39 were filed in the courts of various chief judicial magistrates. Most of the food samples which were found sub-standard fall in the category of dairy items. The adulteration in milk items and sweets were very high. It was much higher as compare to other products.

A fine was imposed in 837 cases of sub-standard sale of food items. The FDA collected Rs 1.48 crore in the form of fines for various violations. Five persons were convicted for selling unsafe food items.

However, when it comes to sale of unsafe food items, the number was just 1 per cent of the total collected samples. There were just 31 samples which were found unsafe. The punishment for selling unsafe item is stringent. As per Food Safety and Standard Act, 2006, depending upon the injury caused by the ‘unsafe’ food, the defaulter may be awarded six months to six years of imprisonment and a fine from Rs 1 lakh to 5 lakh. 

Early this year, to check the unscrupulous adulterated ghee makers, the FDA has procured sophisticated equipment worth Rs 10 crore for the State Food Safety Laboratory. — TNS