Report

As per reports, between January 1, 2020, and July 23, 2024, the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) in Haryana collected 16,144 food samples to assess their safety and quality. The FDA determined that 4,398 of these samples, or 27%, failed the tests and deemed them unfit for human consumption, according to information obtained through the Right to Information (RTI) Act. The FDA tested samples including milk, milk products, cereals, fruit products, sweeteners, and wheat flour.

District Breakdown of Failed Samples

In Gurgaon, the FDA collected 1,229 samples, and 342 (28%) of them failed the tests. Faridabad had a failure rate of nearly 34%, with 593 samples collected. Panchkula recorded an 18% failure rate, while Mewat had the highest failure rate at nearly 39%. Hisar followed with over 34%, and Yamunanagar reported the lowest failure rate at 10.47%.

FDA Faces Staffing Crisis

The FDA is currently facing a severe staffing shortage, as it has left all 45 sanctioned food safety officer (FSO) positions vacant. Ten officers on deputation are currently managing the department’s operations.

In 2022, the Haryana Public Service Commission (HPSC) advertised 41 FSO positions, but petitions challenging the required qualifications for the posts led to the government withdrawing the requisition in December 2023. The HPSC explained, “No requisition for the posts of FSOs has been received from the government to date. In the absence of the government requisition, the Commission cannot advertise for FSO posts on its own.” A senior FDA officer confirmed that the FDA has submitted recruitment draft rules to the government for approval.

Call for Urgent Action

Vijay Deep Rathee, a lawyer who filed the RTI query, emphasized the critical need for more FSOs in Haryana, saying, “Haryana needs 75 FSOs based on the state’s population.” He also warned, “If the government does not enforce stricter laws, it will result in serious health issues and even loss of lives.”

Source: The Indian Express