Key Update

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Punjab conducted a two-day statewide milk sampling drive on Wednesday and Thursday as part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen food safety enforcement and curb milk adulteration. Punjab Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh said officials set up early morning checkpoints across the state and collected around 200 milk samples from dairy farms, collection centres, processing units, and retail outlets in both urban and rural areas.

Samples Sent for Laboratory Testing

Authorities have sent the collected samples to the accredited State Food Laboratory for detailed analysis. Officials will test the samples for adulteration, contamination, and compliance with prescribed food safety standards. The Health Minister warned that authorities would take strict legal action against any Food Business Operator (FBO) found violating provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

Public Asked to Report Food Adulteration

Dr Balbir Singh urged the public to remain alert and report suspected cases of food adulteration to the concerned authorities. FDA Commissioner Kanwalpreet Brar said Food Safety Officers (FSOs) are not only enforcing regulations but are also creating awareness among vendors and dairy operators about hygienic handling and proper storage practices. She stressed that maintaining food safety standards in the dairy sector remains essential for protecting public health.

More Enforcement Drives Planned

Officials said the sampling drive will continue in the coming weeks as part of the department’s broader campaign to strengthen food safety monitoring and enforcement across Punjab.

Source: The Times of India