Delhi food safety officials find hygiene lapses in sweet shops

The Delhi Government’s Food Safety Department has identified multiple hygiene and food-handling violations at various sweet manufacturing units and shops ahead of the festive season. Inspections conducted in areas including Chandni Chowk, Narela, Naraina, and Okhla revealed issues such as poor cleanliness, improper food storage, pest activity, and employees handling food without gloves. Officials also noted missing FSSAI licenses, inadequate training, and improper labeling.

Food samples including khoya, rasbhari, barfi, milk cake, and boondi laddoos were collected for laboratory testing. This enforcement drive follows previous inspections of e-commerce warehouses and dark stores, where expired products and unhygienic conditions were found. In a separate testing of desi ghee samples, 19 were found to be unsafe and four failed to meet safety standards.

In a related regulatory move, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) issued an advisory to food business operators regarding perishable items like paneer, meat, and fish. The regulator emphasized that these products must be maintained under controlled temperature conditions throughout the entire supply chain—from procurement to delivery—to prevent microbial growth and spoilage.