Chandigarh, September 21, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Punjab Health and Family Welfare Department, through the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA), has intensified statewide food safety enforcement ahead of the festival season, with special focus on paneer, khoa, sweets and bakery products.
Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh said food safety remained a top priority of the Punjab Government, particularly during the festive period when demand for sweets, dairy products and bakery items rises significantly.
He directed Food Business Operators (FBOs) to strictly comply with statutory food safety regulations and maintain proper hygiene throughout the handling and preparation of food products.
Dr Balbir Singh stressed the need for proper sourcing and handling of raw materials, sanitary preparation conditions and strict prevention of adulteration and substandard practices. He warned that violations compromising public health would invite legal action under the Food Safety and Standards Act.
Giving details of the enforcement measures, Commissioner FDA Punjab Kanwalpreet Brar said targeted inspection drives had been conducted across the state.
A statewide drive focusing on paneer and khoa was conducted on September 12 and 13, during which 216 samples were collected and sent to the State Food Laboratory for detailed testing.
The Commissioner said appropriate legal action would be initiated under the Food Safety and Standards Act and Rules after the laboratory reports are received.
Continuing the enforcement drive, FDA teams conducted a specialised inspection campaign at sweet and bakery manufacturing units on September 19 and 20 to assess sanitary and hygienic compliance.
A total of 250 inspections were carried out across Punjab during the campaign. Of these, 101 improvement notices were issued to operators found deficient in compliance, while 20 challans were issued on the spot for violations, Kanwalpreet Brar said.
She said intensive monitoring, surveillance and surprise inspections would continue throughout the festive season and advised food establishments to proactively comply with statutory hygiene and safety requirements.
The Health Department and FDA Punjab also appealed to consumers to remain vigilant and make informed purchases. Citizens were advised to buy sweets, dairy products and bakery items only from reliable and compliant food establishments.
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