Key Update

The Food Department launched a major inspection drive in the Upscale Sector 18 market in Noida after receiving repeated complaints about substandard food being sold at premium prices. Food safety teams raided 27 restaurants and food stalls following multiple consumer complaints. During the inspections, officials detected serious hygiene violations across several eateries and food courts. Authorities found unhygienic kitchen conditions at many outlets. In several cases, eateries stored vegetarian and non-vegetarian food together, directly violating food safety norms and raising concerns about cross-contamination.

Hefty Penalties, Ultimatum Issued

After the inspections, the department imposed penalties totalling nearly ₹3 crore on non-compliant establishments. Officials also issued a three-day deadline to rectify all hygiene-related shortcomings and warned that they would cancel food licences if operators failed to comply.

Syed Ibadullah, Food Officer of Gautam Buddh Nagar, said the department conducted the drive in the interest of public health and would take strict action against repeat offenders.

Earlier District-Wide Crackdown

Last year, the Gautam Buddh Nagar administration carried out a large-scale food safety crackdown across both urban and rural parts of the district. Inspection teams detected violations in Dadri, Khurja, Surajpur, Rabupura, and several sectors of Noida, including Sectors 16, 18, 58, and 130.

Following surprise inspections, authorities imposed penalties amounting to ₹64.6 lakh on erring food businesses. The drive covered restaurants, sweet shops, food stalls, and eateries and ran simultaneously across multiple locations to prevent warnings.

Sale of Expired and Misbranded Food

Officials penalised food businesses under provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act during two months between April and May. Inspectors found common violations such as the sale of expired or substandard food items, misbranding and misleading labels, and failure to follow mandatory hygiene and safety protocols.

In several cases, inspectors seized biscuits, packaged foods, and dairy products sold well beyond their expiry dates. Authorities said such lapses posed serious risks to public health.

Source: ABPlive.com