Jamshedpur: With demand for khoya, paneer, sweets and other food products rising ahead of Diwali, the East Singhbhum district health department has set up a six-member team to conduct surprise inspections of sweet shops, hotels, and other food establishments to check adulteration.Led by food safety officer (FSO) Dr Sanjay Kumar, the team is conducting surprise inspections at major markets, sweet shops, hotels, and other food establishments to collect samples of food products for testing and take action against businesses found selling adulterated items.“Acting on the instructions of civil surgeon Dr Sahir Pal, we are collecting samples and sending them for testing. Food items found unfit for consumption are being destroyed. Further investigation and legal action will depend on the laboratory reports. Anyone found compromising public health by selling adulterated food will face legal action,” Sanjay said.Jamshedpur consumes around seven to eight quintals of paneer daily, while production is estimated at only three-and-a-half quintals. Hence, large quantities of khoya and paneer being brought to Jamshedpur from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal to meet the festive demand. These products are transported to the city by trains and buses, increasing the need for regular checks on their quality, said department official.“The health department is committed to safeguarding people’s well-being, and the sale of adulterated food, including sweets, will not be tolerated. Strict action will be taken against any food business operator found guilty of adulteration or selling substandard items,” said CS Sahir.The owner of Bistupur-based Gouranga Mistanna Bhandar, Arnab Ghosh, said, “We have modern machinery for production, including a machine to prepare khoya. The chances of adulteration are very low since we manufacture most of our products ourselves.”The establishment increases production to meet the additional demand during festivals, relying on own manufacturing facilities and milk supplies, he added.“There is an urgent need to establish a robust system to prevent food adulteration during the festive season. Round-the-clock inspections are essential to ensure food safety and protect consumers’ health. The authorities must remain vigilant and take strict action against those found selling adulterated food,” said Bistupur resident Roopal Paul.
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