Major Crackdown on Adulteration: 520 Kg Cheese Destroyed and Notices Issued to Multiple Establishments in Jaipur

With the festive season approaching and the primary objective of ensuring pure and safe food items for the general public, the Food Safety Department has Notably intensified its inspection activities under the ongoing 'Shuddh Aahar–Milavat Par Vaar' campaign. In line with this initiative, a central team along with dedicated teams from Jaipur First and Jaipur Second recently conducted surprise inspections at various prominent food establishments located across the capital city of Jaipur and its surrounding industrial areas. During this comprehensive inspection drive, food safety officials meticulously examined the quality of food products and took stringent action upon discovering violations of established norms.

Sharing detailed insights about the entire operation, Food Safety Commissioner Avichal Chaturvedi stated that during the campaign, the central team inspected two separate establishments of a well-known dairy located in the Raja Park area as well as its primary warehouse situated in Vivekananda Colony. During this inspection, the food safety team discovered serious irregularities on the spot and immediately destroyed a total of 520 kilograms of paneer (cheese). On top of that, two suspicious samples of paneer were collected from the site and sent to a laboratory for detailed testing to verify their quality and safety standards.

Absence of Food License at Vivekananda Colony Warehouse

During the course of the investigation, the Food Safety Commissioner also clarified that the concerned warehouse located in Vivekananda Colony didn't possess any valid food license. Due to the storage and operation of food items without a mandatory license, strict legal action will be initiated in this matter as per the rules. Plus, authorities are examining records, bills, and documents related to the supply of paneer, which has revealed the names of several other establishments, while the department will now investigate all facts related to the supply of paneer based on these available bills and documents to expose the entire adulteration network.

Food Safety Department officials noted that earlier as well, samples of paneer belonging to two different brands linked to this supply chain had been collected, and both samples failed laboratory testing as they were found to be not in conformity with the prescribed food safety standards. Due to repeated failure to meet quality standards, the department has adopted an even stricter stance this time, taking systematic legal action against the culprits.

Severe Lapses in Food Manufacturing Units and Improvement Notices

On the other hand, the special team of Jaipur Second conducted a surprise inspection of a food manufacturing company situated in the Hirawala Industrial Area of Bassi. During this inspection, a major lack of cleanliness was observed inside the manufacturing unit. Employees present at the site weren't wearing caps and aprons during work, which is a direct violation of food safety protocols. Besides, medical fitness checks of the workers had not been conducted, and the quality of water being utilized in the production process had also not been tested.

Taking serious note of these lapses, the food safety team collected an official sample of mishri (rock sugar) from the spot and issued strict directives to the establishment operator to rectify all shortcomings immediately, while formal action to issue an improvement notice to this establishment is also being processed by the department.

Collection of Other Food Samples from Various Regions

During the inspection drive, samples of other food products were also collected from various parts of Jaipur. A sample of mishri was taken from a boora (sugar powder) industry located in Bassi, while similarly, samples of white bread and Bombay pav bread were collected for testing from another food establishment situated in the Sitapura Industrial Area. Samples of namkeen bhujia and refined palmolein oil were also secured for testing from an establishment located in the Hirawala Industrial Area to ensure that the oil and snacks sold during the festive season are entirely safe and of high quality.

Rigorous Inspection of Dry Fruits, Milk, Paneer, and Sweets

Food safety teams maintained their active presence in other parts of the capital as well. The Jaipur First team inspected a major dry fruits establishment located in the Jhotwara Industrial Area. Certain shortcomings were identified at this establishment, for which an improvement notice was issued on the spot to ensure rectification. Important samples of dehydrated dry fruits, coconut powder, almonds, and pistachios were collected from this establishment.

In addition, a popular milk and paneer store located in the Vaishali Nagar area was inspected, from where samples of milk, milk cake, and paneer were collected. Meanwhile, a sample of mawa sweet was also taken for testing from a prestigious sweet shop situated on Moti Doongri Road. These continuous and strict actions by the Food Safety Department have created panic among adulterators, and the department has made it clear that this campaign against adulteration will continue with full vigor throughout the festive season.