Dibrugarh Food Safety Department Launches Major Enforcement Drive
The food safety department in Dibrugarh district initiated a significant enforcement operation on Wednesday, targeting a wide range of food establishments across the region. This special drive focused on hotels, restaurants, sweet shops, and other food service outlets to rigorously assess hygiene standards and gather food samples for detailed laboratory analysis.
Surprise Inspections Target Key Compliance Areas
Teams of food safety officials carried out unannounced inspections at various locations throughout the district. During these visits, inspectors meticulously examined kitchens, food storage facilities, and preparation zones to verify adherence to Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) regulations. Key areas of scrutiny included the freshness of raw ingredients, cleanliness of cooking utensils, personal hygiene practices of food handlers, and overall sanitation conditions at the premises.
Collection of 50 Food Samples for Analysis
A total of 50 food samples were secured during the enforcement drive, comprising 48 surveillance samples and two regulatory samples. Officials clarified that surveillance samples are intended to evaluate the general quality of food available in the market, while regulatory samples are collected when there is reasonable suspicion of adulteration or standards violations, potentially leading to legal consequences. All collected samples will be dispatched to an accredited laboratory for testing, with subsequent actions to be determined based on the results.
Official Statement on Ongoing Safety Efforts
"We have been conducting regular checks to ensure that the food being served to the public meets the required safety standards," stated a senior official from the Dibrugarh food safety department. "Today's drive was part of our ongoing efforts to keep a close watch on food quality, especially in eateries that experience high customer traffic."
Advisories Issued and Compliance Warnings
Several food establishments received on-the-spot advisories during the inspections, with warnings to clean their premises and address identified deficiencies promptly. Owners were also reminded to prominently display valid FSSAI licenses at their businesses. The official emphasized, "Any establishment found to be violating food safety norms will face strict action under the Food Safety and Standards Act. We urge all food business operators to maintain hygiene and cleanliness at all times, not just during inspection drives."
Future Plans for Regular Enforcement
The department announced that such enforcement drives will continue on a regular basis and will be conducted without prior notice to ensure consistent compliance across Dibrugarh district. This proactive approach aims to safeguard public health by maintaining high standards in the food service industry.
