Dehradun, 18 October 2024 – Following directives from Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, extensive raids targeting food vendors have been launched across the state to ensure strict adherence to safety protocols. Health Minister Dr. Dhan Singh Rawat has also emphasized the importance of this initiative.
Dr. R. Rajesh Kumar, Health Secretary and Commissioner of Food Safety and Drug Administration, announced that the state has initiated a comprehensive campaign against the contamination of food products with human waste and other harmful substances. Teams are mandated to follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) rigorously, with daily reports on their actions required to be sent to headquarters. A press release detailing actions taken will also be issued daily at the district level.
Samples Collected for Testing
Under Dr. Kumar’s guidance, teams have begun testing food products, sending samples to laboratories for analysis where necessary. A special operation was conducted in Dehradun district, led by R.S. Rawat, the Deputy Commissioner of the Garhwal Food Safety and Drug Administration. During the raids, food vendors received on-site instructions regarding personal hygiene and cleanliness. Vendors were reminded that all employees must wear masks, gloves, and maintain hygiene standards.
Ten samples, including popular sweets like Gulab Jamun and Rasgulla, were collected for laboratory testing based on suspicion of contamination.
Vigilance at State Borders
R.S. Rawat stated that teams are actively ensuring compliance with SOPs among food vendors. Non-compliance may result in penalties and further action. Enhanced vigilance has been established at the state borders to monitor for potential food adulteration, particularly as the festive season approaches when such activities tend to increase.
Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious or unsanitary food products they encounter. This initiative is part of a broader campaign that will continue in various regions leading up to the Diwali festival, involving officials such as Manish Sayana and Senior Food Safety Officer Santosh Kumar Singh.
