Food Safety Officials Raid Dadri City Mall Ahead of Navratri
Food safety officials seize ghee and chili powder during a surprise raid at Dadri City Mall to ensure quality ahead of the Navratri festival.
In a major crackdown to ensure consumer safety before the festive season, food safety officials conducted a surprise inspection at City Mall in Dadri. The raid, targeting vendors in the New Basti area, was part of a proactive campaign to prevent food adulteration and misbranding during the upcoming Navratri festival.
Massive Seizure of Ghee and Spices
The inspection, carried out under the direct orders of Gautam Buddh Nagar District Magistrate Medha Roopam, resulted in the immediate confiscation of several products. Authorities seized approximately 240 liters of ghee after discovering misleading claims on the packaging regarding added vitamins and minerals.
Furthermore, officials impounded 18 kilograms of chili powder. The product was classified as misbranded because it failed to display mandatory information, such as batch numbers and packing dates, leaving consumers in the dark about its origin and shelf life.
Laboratory Testing Underway
To ensure no substandard items reach the public, the inspection team, led by Assistant Commissioner (Food) II Sarvesh Kumar, collected multiple samples for rigorous laboratory analysis. The items sent for testing include:
- Avatar brand ghee
- Cow ghee
- Chili powder
- Makhana
- Mustard oil
- Kuttu atta
These samples have been dispatched to a specialized laboratory to confirm whether they meet the required safety and quality standards.
Strict Directives for Food Vendors
Following the raid, the food safety department issued stern warnings to all local food business operators. Vendors have been mandated to follow two critical protocols:
- Licensed Sourcing: All goods must be sourced exclusively from licensed and verified suppliers.
- Accurate Documentation: Businesses must maintain precise billing records for every piece of inventory they hold.
"Consumers should also be vigilant," officials noted, encouraging the public to always verify batch numbers and insist on transaction bills when purchasing food items to ensure accountability.
This operation is part of a wider crackdown across Gautam Buddh Nagar. It follows a recent significant seizure at a spice manufacturing unit in Itheda, Greater Noida West, as authorities intensify their efforts to curb food adulteration during high-demand festive periods.