Key Update 

The Uttarakhand government announced on Thursday that it will classify cancer as a notifiable disease and set rules to detect cancer-causing chemicals in food items, following concerns about widespread food adulteration and poor-quality products. State Health Minister Dhan Singh Rawat said the government will launch monthly inspections to prevent the sale of adulterated, stale, and unsafe food. “We will involve employees from other departments to ensure checks are regular. Each campaign will run for seven days every month,” he added.

Focus on Harmful Chemicals

Recent inspections revealed the presence of chemical-laden processed foods, especially in fast food sold in rural and semi-urban markets. Many items sold in local haat bazaars remain untested and of low quality, raising concerns about potential health hazards.

Government Action and Monitoring

In 2023–24, authorities tested 1,627 food samples and found 171 adulterated; in 2024–25, 159 of 1,684 samples failed safety standards. The government has requested the Public Service Commission to fill 28 vacancies in the food safety department to strengthen inspections. Rawat assured that the campaign against adulterated food will intensify, with continuous monitoring to ensure safe, high-quality food reaches consumers.

Source: UNI India

The Times of India