Noida Food Safety Department Conducts Pre-Navratri Raids, Seizes Contaminated Flour
In a proactive move ahead of the Navratri festival, the food safety department in Noida executed extensive raids across the district on Wednesday, resulting in the seizure of approximately 400 kilograms of loose buckwheat flour, commonly known as kuttu. Officials highlighted that the seller failed to provide valid receipts for the stock, which also lacked essential batch numbers and manufacturing dates, raising serious concerns about food safety.
Detailed Inspections and Seizures in Greater Noida
Assistant Commissioner of Food for GB Nagar, Sarvesh Mishra, reported that a dedicated food safety team inspected Santosh Traders in Kulesra, Greater Noida. During the inspection, they discovered 244 packets, each weighing 250 grams, devoid of batch numbers or manufacturing dates. Mishra emphasized, "Without proper documentation, it is impossible to determine if the product is safe for consumption, especially given the short shelf life of buckwheat flour." Following sample collection, officials sealed around 238 kilograms of loose flour and 240 packets from this location.
At another outlet, Muskan Traders in Kulesra, the same team identified 70 kilograms of loose buckwheat flour that similarly lacked proper documentation and labeling. Additionally, separate teams collected samples of buckwheat flour and water chestnut flour from a facility in Sector 49, and raisins from a grocery store in Kasna. In total, seven samples have been dispatched to laboratories for comprehensive testing to assess their quality and safety.
Strict Instructions Issued to Food Business Operators
Mishra further stated that strict instructions have been issued to all food business operators in the region. They are mandated to procure products exclusively from licensed suppliers, maintain accurate purchase records, and ensure clear labeling that includes manufacturing dates and batch numbers. This crackdown is part of a broader effort to enhance food safety standards, particularly during festive seasons when consumption of specific items like buckwheat flour peaks.
Background of Contamination Incidents
The recent raids follow a significant incident from February 15, where at least 70 residents from three societies in Greater Noida West—Supertech Ecovillage 3, Himalayan Pride, and Royal Court Society—fell ill after consuming meals prepared with kuttu flour during Mahashivratri. Investigations traced the contaminated buckwheat to a single manufacturing unit in Chipyana Buzurg village, operated by HD Spices, which had obtained a supply licence from the Ghaziabad food department.
Subsequently, a complaint by a food safety officer led to the registration of an FIR at Bisrakh police station under Section 275 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and relevant provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. During the investigation, four individuals, including the warehouse owner, were detained for questioning, underscoring the seriousness of the violations.
Expanded Crackdown in Ghaziabad
In a related development, Ghaziabad authorities conducted their own crackdown on Thursday, seizing over 3.5 tonnes of food items, including buckwheat flour and rock salt. Chief Food Safety Officer Ashutosh Rai detailed that an inspection at M/s Gogia Grinders on Ramte Ram Road revealed substandard products. The team confiscated 2,520 kilograms of buckwheat flour packed in 63 sacks and 1,050 kilograms of rock salt stored in 40 sacks, with an estimated value of nearly Rs 4 lakh. Rai noted that the seller could not produce any documentation, and expiry dates were unverifiable, prompting the seizure. Three samples from this raid have also been sent for laboratory testing.
These coordinated efforts highlight the ongoing vigilance of food safety departments in Noida and Ghaziabad to prevent health hazards, especially during critical periods like Navratri, ensuring that consumers have access to safe and properly labeled food products.
