Chandigarh: With the authorities struggling to effectively monitor and control the malpractice of food adulteration, nearly 22% samples of milk and milk products analysed in the region in the last three years were found non-conforming to the standards, raising concerns about public health and safety in Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh.
Despite the Food Safety and Standards (FSS) Act outlining penalties for violations, lax enforcement has allowed unscrupulous producers and suppliers in the region to continue adulterating food, particularly during the festivals.
Consumption of contaminated food can lead to various health issues, including nausea, allergic reactions, diarrhea, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. The lack of effective monitoring and control has enabled the widespread malpractice of food adulteration, highlighting the need for stricter enforcement to protect public health.
The analysis of the data compiled by the Union health ministry showed that a total of 39,235 samples of milk and milk products were collected and analysed in the region, of which 8,608 failed the test.
Haryana had the highest percentage of samples failing the test, followed by Himachal Pradesh and Punjab. Between 2021-22 and 2023-24, as many as 12,165 samples were examined in Haryana, of which 3,463 were found unfit for consumption, accounting for over 28% of the total samples.
In the neighbouring state of Himachal Pradesh, nearly 24% of samples failed to meet the set standards during the corresponding period with 1,433 samples out of 6,082 failing the test, while in Punjab, out of 20,988 samples collected during the three years, 3,712 were found to be non-conforming.
Legal action was taken against violators in three states for selling or storing adulterated products.
3,420 cases filed in Pb against offenders
In Punjab, 3,216 civil and 204 criminal cases were registered, while Haryana saw 2,739 civil and 303 criminal cases initiated. Meanwhile, Himachal registered 926 civil and 141 criminal cases against the offenders.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has established scientific standards for food articles and regulates their manufacture, storage, distribution, sale and import to ensure the availability of safe and wholesome food for human consumption.
The FSSAI through its regional office and state health authorities conducts regular surveillance, monitoring, inspection, and random sampling of food products, including those of milk and milk products.
In cases where food samples are found to be non-conforming, penal action is taken against the defaulting food business operators as per the provisions of the FSS Act, rules, and regulations.
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