Mr Kahan Singh Pannu, Commissioner, Food and Drugs Administration, Punjab cum Director, Mission Tandrust Punjab, today warned all those involved in the sale of spurious and adulterated milk and milk products to better mend their ways or be ready to face the music. He said that once caught, names of all such people would be made public. He also warned that FIR under various sections of IPC would also be registered against the culprits, besides their premises would also be sealed.
While chairing a meeting of Food Safety Officers and senior officials of Dairy Development Department, Mr Pannu said that the department has already prepared a list of around 250 people in the state and very soon, raids would be conducted on their premises. He said that to ensure that the culprits don’t go scot free, the department has purchased hand-held milk testing kits, through which the adulteration can be checked by the officials on the spot. Once the kit detects adulteration in milk, the sample would be sent for further testing in the department’s lab in Chandigarh.
He informed that very soon, a helpline number for this purpose would be launched, where people can give information regarding any person involved in selling spurious milk or milk products. He said that once the helpline number is launched, cash awards would also be given to such informers.
He further that after a series of meetings with all Halwai Associations at state level as well as at district level, one week time has been given to them to stop this illegal trade or be ready to face action. He warned that no person would be allowed to play with the lives of public by selling spurious milk and milk products.
He said that a large quantity of spurious “khoya” and cheese (paneer) comes from states such as Uttar Pradesh and Haryana, which is further sold to various shops across the state. He said that the department also has information of some shops are duping public by selling “Cooking Medium Oil” by claiming it to be “Desi Ghee”.
