New Delhi: In view of the festive season, Delhi Government today ordered a mega drive to curb food adulteration under which samples of sweets and other items would be lifted from all market places across the city.
Health Minister A K Walia issued the order after 44 cases of food adulteration were detected during routine taking of samples between August 6 and yesterday, laboratory results of which have come today.
Fifteen cases have been registered against the adulterators under various provisions of Food Safety and Standards Act which provides for a maximum punishment of life imprisonment and a penalty of up to Rs 10 lakh for those involved in such illegal activities.
Health department officials said the mega drive is being launched as sale and purchase of sweets witnesses a surge in the run up to Diwali and in view of increase in demand adulteration also goes up during this period.
"I have ordered Prevention of Food Adulteration Department to come down hard on the adulterators. We will not compromise on health of the citizens," said Walia, adding directions have been issued to ensure quick testing of the samples in designated laboratories and take action based on the report.
Walia said a total of 652 samples were lifted between August 6 to October 17 by PFA officials and test results of 539 samples have come out of which 15 were found totally unsafe and 14 were found to be sub-standard. Another 15 samples were of fake brands.
PTI
