In order to ensure clean, hygienic and quality food items for the people, a food safety team of the District Health department conducted a surprise check at a sweet factory and a sweet shop in Zirakpur. District Health Officer (DHO) Dr. Subhash Kumar who led the team said that under the Tandrust Punjab mission launched by the Punjab Government, the team checked the quality and expiry dates of the sweets and also took two samples of khoya and patisa, which have been sent to the lab for testing.According to DrSubhashthe traders were also directed to indicate the expiry date of the sweets on the tray. Apart from this the food safety team also took 15 samples of red chili, turmeric, water and other items through the food safety van moving around the district.Dr. Subhash Kumar further said that during the checking the shopkeepers were instructed to follow the guidelines issued by the district administration and health department to curb the spread of 'Coronavirus' pandemic.
Shopkeepers were instructed to keep clean and not to sell expired items. They were told to wear gloves and masks and not allow anyone to enter the shops without mask. The shopkeepers were also briefed on the Food Safety Act. They were asked to sell pure and unadulterated items and also to pay special attention to cleanliness. He said that checking was not meant to harass anyone but to ensure that clean and quality food items were made available to the people.The DHO also informed that the mobile testing van is moving throughout the district by which anyone could get the quality of various items checked. He said that the van is equipped with modern machinery which is capable of checking the quality of milk, RO water or plain water, turmeric, salt, pepper, spices, cold drinks, desi ghee etc. A fee of Rs.50 per item will be charged.