The Uttar Pradesh government has launched a special campaign to stop the sale of adulterated food items during the Diwali festival. 2993 quintals of adulterated goods have been seized. 1155 quintals of spoiled goods have been destroyed.
Lucknow. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has adopted a strict stance to make the festival of Diwali safe and health friendly in Uttar Pradesh. On the instructions of the Chief Minister, the Food Safety and Drug Administration Department of the State Government has started a special Diwali campaign from October 8 to October 17. Under this campaign, till now the Food Safety and Drug Administration teams have conducted 4621 inspections, 2085 raids and tested 2853 samples across the state. A total of 2993 quintals of adulterated and unhealthy food items have been seized so far, with an estimated value of ₹3.88 crore. 1155 quintals of material was destroyed, estimated to be worth ₹1.75 crore. Three FIRs have also been registered under the Indian Justice Code 2023 in Unnao, Mathura and Lucknow.
There is no compromise with the health of common citizens
Secretary Food Safety and Drug Administration Dr. Roshan Jacob said that the state government is determined to make the festivals safe, clean and enjoyable. On the instructions of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, a special campaign is being run in the entire state against adulteration and food items harmful to health. There will be no compromise on the health of common citizens on the occasion of festivals. Perishable items are confiscated and destroyed on the spot, ensuring the safety of consumers.
Action being taken in various districts
Among the major actions in the campaign, 215 kg of Khoya was seized and destroyed in Unnao and FIR was registered after collecting samples. 400 kg of adulterated cheese was destroyed in Mathura. 802 kg of khoya was destroyed in Lucknow. In Jhansi, 1200 kg khoya, 790 kg adulterated pickles were seized in Hathras and 3000 kg spoiled pickles were destroyed. 3000 kg of adulterated Rasgulla and Gulab Jamun were destroyed in Bulandshahr, 1478 kg of adulterated khoya in Mirzapur, 1100 kg of khoya in Saharanpur were destroyed. Similarly, 6000 liters of refined soybean oil was seized in Hapur.
Milk, khoya, cheese and sweets seized
In Kanpur Dehat, 500 liters of milk, 400 kg khoya, 2200 kg barfi, 250 kg peda and 358 kg sweet cakes were destroyed. In Gorakhpur, 1400 kg of cheese and khoya were seized and 1000 liters of spoiled mustard oil was destroyed. In Meerut, 71 liters of palmolein oil, 20 kg skimmed milk powder were seized and 35 kg rasgulla, 180 kg paneer, 2500 kg khoya were destroyed. 340 liters of mustard oil and 900 kg of ghee were destroyed in Etah. In Kheri, 871 kg food items were seized and 50 kg destroyed. Adulterated materials worth lakhs were also destroyed in Agra, Aligarh, Ghaziabad, Muzaffarnagar.
Campaign also conducted at toll plaza and highway
The operation also includes major seizures at toll plazas and highways. 750 kg Paneer at Sahibabad Toll, 1500 kg Paneer at Hapur Toll Chijarsi, 4040 kg Khoya from NH 34, GT Road Kanpur, 910 cartons of adulterated sweets from Barabanki Toll, and 2450 kg Khoya from Kanpur Panki Road were destroyed.
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Common citizens can also complain
The State Government has appealed to the common citizens that if any information is received about food adulteration, manufacturing or selling of fake products or organized adulteration business, then they should immediately give confidential information to the Food Safety and Drug Administration Department. For this, special helpline and WhatsApp numbers have been issued by the department. To lodge a confidential complaint, one can call toll free number 1800-180-5533. Information related to adulterated or fake food items can be sent to WhatsApp number 9793429747. If anyone gets information about manufacturing or selling of fake or substandard medicines, then the information can be sent to WhatsApp number 8756128434. The government has said that the identity of such complaints will be kept confidential and strict action will be taken against the culprits.
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