Punjab FDA Launches statewide crackdown on milk adulteration, 200 samples collected in 2-day drive

Chandigarh: The Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) Punjab has launched a statewide crackdown on milk adulteration, collecting 200 samples during a two-day intensive inspection drive aimed at ensuring safe and high-quality food products across the state. The drive was conducted on Wednesday and Thursday under the directions of Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Balbir Singh and the supervision of FDA Commissioner Kanwalpreet Brar. Early morning checkpoints were set up across Punjab, covering dairy farms, milk collection centres, processing units, and retail outlets in both urban and rural areas.

Officials said the operation targeted the entire dairy supply chain to identify possible cases of adulteration and contamination. The collected samples have been sent to accredited state food laboratories for detailed analysis to check compliance with prescribed safety standards.

Dr. Balbir Singh issued a strict warning that any Food Business Operator (FBO) found violating food safety norms will face stringent legal action under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. He also urged citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspected cases of food adulteration to the authorities.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment to public health, the minister said the campaign is part of an ongoing enforcement strategy to eliminate adulterated milk from the supply chain and ensure a “Healthy and Rangla Punjab.”

FDA Commissioner Kanwalpreet Brar said Food Safety Officers are not only enforcing regulations but also sensitizing dairy vendors and operators about hygienic handling and proper storage practices. She emphasized that maintaining high standards in the dairy sector is essential for safeguarding consumer health.