Pb min urges public to use mobile food safety vans
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Chandigarh: Punjab health minister Dr Balbir Singh on Wednesday exhorted the public to make maximum use of the 'Food Safety on Wheels' initiative, which has been expanded in all the districts.
Notably, 'Food Safety on Wheels' are mobile food testing vans, which are equipped for screening adulteration among major categories of food, including milk, paneer, water, and other daily consumables. "These vans are a crucial tool in our fight against food adulteration. I urge every individual to get their food tested," said the health minister, while addressing a press conference at Punjab Bhawan here. He was accompanied by principal secretary (health) Kumar Rahul, commissioner Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Punjab Dilraj Singh, director (Labs) Ravneet Kaur, and joint commissioner (food safety) Dr Amit Joshi.
He informed that since the AAP govt came to power, a total of 18,559 enforcement samples, along with 12,178 surveillance samples, were taken by the department. Additionally, over 13,000 samples were screened for adulteration on Food Safety on Wheels so far, he said, while adding that the major categories include paneer, ghee, milk, spices, fruits and vegetables, sweets and khoya.
Health minister Singh directed FDA officials to utilise these food safety vans to their full potential, and create awareness among the masses, specifically students, while asking them to act in a transparent manner and implement all the policies of the department in true letter and spirit.
He also emphasised that only "Shudh Ann" would lead to "Shudh Mann and Swasth Tann".
He reiterated that food adulteration will not be tolerated at any cost, and strict action will be initiated against anyone found indulging in such activities. The health minister also highlighted that to date, a total of 3.17 lakh licences and registrations were issued to the food business operators. He also emphasised the need for balanced diets and informed dietary choices, urging the FDA to intensify public education campaigns on nutrition and govt health initiatives.
He appealed to Punjabis to adopt the "Eat Right, Stay Healthy" approach and contribute to building a healthier and nutritionally secure Punjab.
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