New Delhi: The Delhi government has intensified surveillance and enforcement drives across the national capital to ensure availability of safe and hygienic food, on the directions of Health Minister Dr. Pankaj Kumar Singh, according to an official statement.
A total of 98 food samples were collected from food business operators across multiple districts during routine inspections and special drives, it said.
“Ensuring safe and hygienic food for every citizen of Delhi is our top priority. Strict vigilance is being maintained, especially during festive periods, and prompt action is being taken against any violations,” Singh said. Out of the samples collected, 54 have been analysed so far by the Food Safety Laboratory and all were found conforming to prescribed standards, with no sample reported unsafe, the statement said, adding that reports for the remaining samples are awaited. The Food Safety Department also undertook targeted inspections during the recent Navratri festival, focusing on commonly consumed fasting items such as kuttu atta, singhara atta, sabudana, fruits and dairy products, it said.
A total of 165 samples, including 138 surveillance and 27 enforcement samples, were lifted during the festive period from markets, mandis, retail outlets, JJ clusters and unauthorised colonies across the city, according to the statement.
Laboratory analysis indicated a high compliance rate, with most samples meeting food safety norms, it said, adding that necessary action has been initiated in cases of non-conformance as per legal provisions.
“No untoward incident was reported during the Navratri period due to strict compliance and continuous monitoring,” the statement said.