A meeting of all officers of Food and Drug Administration was chaired here today by Commissioner Food and Drug administration Sh. Varun Roojam, during which he gave stern directions to take strict action against violators of Food Safety and Standards Act of India (FSSAI). The meeting was held at Punjab Health System Corporation, SAS Nagar and attended by Assistant Commissioners (Food Safety), all Food Safety Officers and Designated Officers. During the meeting the officers were told to deal the nefarious elements indulging in mal-practice of food adulteration with iron hands. Sh Varun Roojam stated that as per the directions given by Health & Family Welfare Minister, Sh. Brahm Mohindra, the Department is committed to curb the practice of food adulteration and immediately put an end to any possible nexus. It was emphasised that food adulteration was very sensitive issue, as it touches the life, well-being and health of common people, therefore all necessary measures must be taken by the food safety officers to ensure that only healthy and hygienic food items are sold in the market. Food Safety Officers were asked to work dedicatedly and also ensure that the adequate food samples are obtained to match the specified targets and routine inspections must also be carried regularly.
Commissioner FDA told the officers to identify the shortcomings within the department and remove them promptly and adopt the best practices to make the system completely transparent and responsive. While pulling up the districts that have not been able to accomplish the specified targets of food sampling, Sh Varun Roojam directed them to step up their performance and give the desired results without any further delay. Any complaints being received from public should be looked into and redressed promptly so that a trust between Government and public could be build up. It was discussed that regular sampling of products of big companies, as well as loose food items being sold in the open market needs to be stepped up, with special emphasis on milk and milk products like Khoa, Ghee etc. as milk products are consumed more frequently by public.Dr. Rakesh Gupta, Deputy Director informed that flavoured/scented tobacco and gutkha etc is banned in Punjab under food safety and standard act and any commercial establishment having food licence can’t sell tobacco products. He said 90 percent of oral cancers are attributed to usage of chewable tobacco. During the meeting the Nodal Officer, FDA, Dr. Amritpal asked the officers to ensure timely submission of monthly reports.