Report

Food safety tests done in Ludhiana, Punjab, over the past six months have exposed serious quality concerns, with nearly one-third of milk and dairy products failing to meet safety standards.

Health Officials Identify Substandard Food Samples

Dr. Amarjeet Kaur, District Health Officer (DHO), reported that officials tested 82 samples of milk and dairy products between September 2024 and February 2025, finding 24 samples below quality standards. Out of 228 food samples examined, authorities flagged 43 as substandard, including 19 non-dairy items such as spices, dry fruits, fast food, oil, sugar, jaggery, fruits, and vegetables. Officials are still awaiting results for 24 samples.

Paneer and Ghee Show Highest Failure Rates

Health authorities found paneer to be the most frequently adulterated dairy product, with 12 out of 39 samples failing quality tests. Ghee followed closely, with 8 out of 21 samples testing substandard. Officials identified one out of nine milk samples as below standard, while all lassi samples met safety norms.

Officials Conduct Regular Food Inspections

The food safety division of the health department actively collects and tests samples of dairy, fast food, beverages, spices, oils, and fresh produce. Officials send these samples to the state food safety laboratory in Kharar for testing. Four food safety officers lead inspections in Ludhiana, while an officer from Moga assists twice a week.

Authorities Enforce Strict Penalties on Violators

When officials detect substandard food, they present cases before the Additional Deputy Commissioner’s (ADC) court, which determines penalties. They issue immediate fines to vendors maintaining unhygienic conditions. If food is deemed unsafe for consumption, officials escalate the case to the Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM), who can impose harsher penalties.

Ludhiana residents have welcomed the enforcement drive but are demanding stricter measures against food adulteration. Amandeep Singh, a resident, called for increased monitoring of food vendors, grocery stores, and dairy suppliers to ensure safe food for consumers.

Source: The Times of India