Ranchi Intensifies Food Safety Vigilance After UP Seizures, Fines Nine Establishments
In the wake of nationwide alarm triggered by food safety authorities in Uttar Pradesh's Ghaziabad and Hapur seizing and destroying 1,200 kg of 'paneer' and 200 kg of 'khoya' ahead of Holi, the Ranchi district administration has significantly ramped up its own surveillance efforts to prevent similar violations during the festive season.
Surprise Inspections Yield Substantial Penalties
In a targeted and unannounced inspection drive conducted on Tuesday in the bustling area surrounding Ranchi Railway Station, the district's food safety team scrutinized 15 food establishments. The operation resulted in the imposition of a total penalty of Rs 2.05 lakh on nine food business operators found to be in breach of established food safety standards.
Ranchi Food Safety Officer Pawan Kumar, speaking on Wednesday, emphasized that the initiative is specifically designed to curb adulteration and uphold stringent hygiene protocols during this period of heightened consumer demand. He confirmed that these inspections will persist as a proactive measure.
"We are conducting targeted inspections in busy areas to ensure that safe and hygienic food is served to the public. Nine eateries were penalised after deficiencies were found during inspection," stated Kumar.
Scope of Inspections and Legal Framework
During the comprehensive drive, the inspection team meticulously examined a variety of outlets including hotels, dairies, restaurants, and sweet shops in the railway station vicinity. Establishments that failed to meet compliance standards were served improvement notices under the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011 and Section 32 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. The financial penalties were levied under Section 69 of the same Act.
Officials disclosed that the fines imposed on the non-compliant businesses varied significantly, ranging from Rs 5,000 to Rs 75,000, with the amount determined by the specific nature and seriousness of the violations uncovered.
Focus on Festive Sweets and On-Spot Testing
A key aspect of the operation was the deployment of a mobile food testing van, enabling on-the-spot screening of food samples. Inspectors placed particular emphasis on sweets and milk-based products, which are in high demand during Holi, to detect any adulteration or the unauthorized use of artificial colors—practices that often see an increase during festive times.
Kumar further elaborated on the enforcement measures, noting that for small traders with an annual turnover below Rs 12 lakh, penalties can reach up to Rs 1 lakh, accompanied by the seizure and destruction of unsafe food items. For larger enterprises with turnovers exceeding Rs 12 lakh, samples are dispatched to laboratories for detailed testing, with legal proceedings initiated if violations are confirmed.
Temporary Pause and Zero-Tolerance Stance
The inspection drive will be temporarily suspended for two days due to an official visit by the President, with operations scheduled to resume from Friday. Authorities have firmly reiterated their commitment to a zero-tolerance policy towards any negligence in food safety, especially during the critical festive season, ensuring that public health remains a top priority.
