Key Development

The Punjab Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) informed the Punjab and Haryana High Court that 1,420 out of 11,657 food samples collected during 2024–25 failed quality tests. The FDA submitted this compliance report in response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Kanwar Pahul Singh. The petition followed the death of Manvi, a young girl from Patiala, in March 2024, after she consumed a birthday cake ordered online. Her death sparked public outrage and led to increased scrutiny of food safety in the state. On April 21, 2025, the FDA banned the sale of energy drinks to children and restricted their sale within 100 metres of schools in rural areas and 50 metres in urban areas. This ban will remain in force for one year.

State Intensifies Inspections and Food Sampling

The FDA continues to inspect high-risk food businesses as per directives from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). Officials said they are working around the clock to strengthen the state’s food safety ecosystem and insisted there is no negligence on their part. In the first quarter of 2025–26, the department collected hundreds of samples of milk, edible oils, cereals, spices, sweets, and other everyday food products for enforcement and surveillance testing. It also lifted 1,100 samples of fruits and vegetables to test for artificial ripening agents and heavy metal contamination.

Awareness and Certification Drive Underway

Under the Eat Right India movement, the FDA awarded more than 150 certifications to clean and safe food zones such as street food hubs, mandis, schools, college campuses, and religious institutions. Over the past three years, the department has also:

• Held more than 500 awareness camps

• Conducted 1,692 educational programmes

• Organised numerous workshops for food business operators

Court to Review Report in August

The FDA submitted this compliance report as part of an ongoing contempt petition linked to the PIL. The Punjab and Haryana High Court will review the matter on August 19. The department has forwarded the report to the Registrar of the High Court, all designated officers, and the petitioner.

Source: The Indian Express