Diwali Crackdown: Delhi Govt Destroys 7,000kg Toxic Khoya
Delhi government seizes and destroys 7,000 kg of foul-smelling khoya at Mori Gate market to prevent food adulteration before Diwali.
In a massive blow to food adulterators just before the festive rush, the Delhi Government's Food Safety Department has seized and destroyed approximately 7,000 kg of unhygienic and foul-smelling khoya. The operation took place at the Mori Gate Khoya Market as part of an intensified campaign to ensure that substandard food does not reach consumers during Diwali and other upcoming festivals.
CM Rekha Gupta Leads the Charge
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta personally visited the Mori Gate market on Tuesday to inspect the crackdown. During her visit, the CM engaged with officials to understand every detail of the operation, issuing a stern warning that the government would not compromise on public health.
The Chief Minister emphasized that ensuring access to safe and quality food during the festive season is a primary responsibility of the government. She made it clear that anyone involved in food adulteration, regardless of their influence or status, would be dealt with strictly under the law.
"There is no place in Delhi for those who seek to spoil the joy of Diwali through food adulteration," stated CM Rekha Gupta.
Shocking Test Results: 'Food Safety on Wheels'
The scale of the adulteration came to light through a rigorous testing process. During the drive, the Food Safety Department collected 44 surveillance samples from the market. These were tested on the spot using the ‘Food Safety on Wheels’ mobile testing facility.
The results were alarming: 35 out of the 44 samples failed the preliminary tests. Additionally, two samples were sent to a specialized laboratory for a more comprehensive examination.
What was inside the Khoya?
Preliminary on-site tests revealed the presence of several suspicious ingredients used to bulk up or bind the product, including:
- Milk powder
- Vanaspati
- Various binding substances
These materials have been sent for further laboratory investigation to determine the exact nature of the adulterants used.
A Sustained War on Adulteration
This operation at Mori Gate was not an isolated incident but the fourth such drive conducted at this specific market. The Delhi Government has been maintaining a sustained offensive against food adulteration since September.
The total amount of khoya destroyed by the department has now reached a staggering 10,660 kg. The breakdown of the crackdown is as follows:
- September 4: 2,830 kg destroyed
- September 8: 610 kg destroyed
- October 23: 520 kg destroyed
- November 3: 7,000 kg destroyed
CM Rekha Gupta congratulated the Food Safety Department for their alertness and prompt action, directing the team to continue their commitment to safeguarding the health of Delhi's citizens. The government has stated that its objective is not merely to detect adulterated products but to effectively prevent such illegal activities from occurring in the first place.