Latest news with #AmarjitKaur
Hindustan Times
29-05-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Ludhiana: Inspections across the city, health dept says zero-tolerance for adulteration
Regular inspections are being conducted by the health department to monitor the quality of fruits and packaged goods sold in the open market. On Tuesday, a total of 24 samples were collected from areas including New Sabzi Mandi, Gill Road, Dugri, and Saban Bazar. The samples included mangoes, papayas, bananas, and one sample of ghee. Continuing inspections, the department on Wednesday took 23 more samples of mangoes, papayas, bananas, watermelons, and pan masala from Civil Lines, New Sabzi Mandi, Maloud, and Haibowal. 'All 47 samples have been sent to the state food testing laboratory, and action will be taken strictly as per the results,' said Amarjit Kaur, district health officer. The health department has issued a stern warning to wholesalers and retailers, urging them to refrain from stocking or selling banned and substandard food items. Public cooperation is also being sought to report any suspected adulteration or sale of prohibited items in their localities. 'This is a zero-tolerance issue. Ensuring food safety is not just a legal obligation but a moral one,' Kaur emphasised. 'Such inspections will continue on a regular basis to protect consumers from adulterated and harmful products.' Earlier, on April 26, 2025, the health team had conducted a targeted inspection during which 14 bags of Kesari Dal, each weighing 30 kg (total 420 kg) were seized. The test results, which were reported by the department on Wednesday, state that the samples have been found to be non-compliant with food safety standards.. Kesari Dal (Lathyrus sativus) is prohibited for sale and consumption in India under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, due to its possible neurotoxic effects which can lead to lathyrism, a serious neurological disorder. The department has said that a legal action is being initiated as per the provisions of the FSSAI Act. 'Selling Kesari Dal is a punishable offence under Sections 59 and 63 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and we are committed to taking strict action against offenders endangering public health,' said Amarjit Kaur.
Hindustan Times
15-05-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Action against food adulteration: 700 kg jaggery seized, challans issued in Ludhiana
The local food safety officials seized 100kg of khoya, and 350 kg of sugar being used for making gur (jaggery) and 7 quintals of gur in a series of raids at Tajpur and near Samrala Chowk on Thursday. The operation resulted in the seizure of a significant quantity of adulterated food items and the issuance of challans for violations of food safety regulations. The seized food items, suspected to be adulterated, have been sent for laboratory analysis to determine the extent of contamination. In addition to the food seizures, the team also focused on other potential health hazards. Six samples of soda banta bottles were collected for testing, and a challan was issued to a vendor near Samrala Chowk. Authorities also issued a challan under Section 58 to a business selling an energy drink near a school in Tajpur, citing concerns about the health and safety of schoolchildren. Ludhiana civil surgeon Dr Ramandeep Kaur reiterated the health department's stance, stating, 'We are committed to safeguarding public health. Such surprise inspections will continue, and strict action will be taken against those found violating the food safety norms.' District health officer (DHO), Dr Amarjit Kaur emphasised the department's commitment. 'The district health department is working to ensure that food products available to the public are safe and of high quality. These actions demonstrate our firm resolve to crack down on food adulteration and enforce stringent food safety standards.' The health department has initiated further investigations and has warned that those found guilty of violating food safety laws will face severe penalties.
Hindustan Times
27-04-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
545-kg paneer seized in Ludhiana, sent for test: Officials
A team of health officials from the district food safety wing seized 545-kg paneer during an operation carried out at Basant Avenue on Saturday. The team also collected one sample each of paneer and curd for a laboratory analysis to verify their safety and compliance with food standards. According to officials, an initial inquiry revealed that the seized paneer had been transported from outside Ludhiana just a day prior, raising concerns about its storage, transportation and quality conditions. Civil surgeon Dr Ramandeep Kaur said, 'We are committed to ensuring that only safe and hygienic food reaches residents. Strict action will be taken against violators who compromise food safety standards. Food businesses are urged to adhere to regulations. People should also remain alert and report suspicious food items.' District health officer Dr Amarjit Kaur said, 'Regular inspections will continue. We seek peopel's cooperation in maintaining high standards of food hygiene. Together, we can build a healthier community by being cautious and demanding safe food.' The department of health and family welfare, Punjab, will take action against the violators once laboratory reports are received, officials said, adding that those found guilty of endangering public health will face stringent penalties under the Food Safety and Standards Act. The health department said people should be vigilant while purchasing food items, especially perishable products like milk, paneer and curd. Always insist on buying from trusted vendors, checking for proper labeling and hygiene practices and reporting any suspicious food activities immediately to the district health authorities.
Hindustan Times
24-04-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Ludhiana: Health dept slaps ₹1L fine on ice cream unit over lack of hygiene
The district health department's food safety team on Wednesday slapped a ₹1-lakh fine on an ice cream manufacturing unit in the Industrial Area, Hambran, over allegedly unhygienic conditions found during a surprise check, officials said. The fine was issued for violations of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. The officials said. They said the inspection was conducted around 2 pm. The officials, however, refused to disclose the name of the unit. The officials said they collected two samples of ice cream, vanilla and mixed-fruit flavours, and sent them to State Food Laboratory, Kharar, for testing. Legal proceedings have been initiated, they added. According to the officials, 'alarming levels' of uncleanliness and unhygienic food preparation practices were uncovered during the inspection. District health officer (DHO) Dr Amarjit Kaur reaffirmed the department's commitment to food safety. 'No compromise will be tolerated when it comes to public health. Food establishments operating in unhygienic conditions break the law and endanger the lives of consumers. Our teams are conducting checks and offenders will be dealt with firmly,' she said. The health department urged all food business operators to strictly adhere to hygiene protocols. Health department officials said legal proceedings, if needed, will be initiated after they get a report of the collected samples from the state food laboratory.
