The local health department in Ludhiana has heightened its vigilance, intensifying its inspection efforts at sweet shops and bakeries across the city for the festive season. Health officials have seized and destroyed quintals of sweets and various bakery and dairy items that failed to meet safety standards.
Alarming Rise Of Adulterated Sweets In Ludhiana
Adulteration of food products is not a new issue in India, but it has become increasingly rampant as food items become essential gifts and treats during the festive season. This season, the health department in Ludhiana has cracked down on these practices, emphasizing that adulterated sweets pose severe health risks. Over 100 samples have been picked for laboratory analysis to identify harmful substances. Due to an increase in food item adulteration, health officials have advised consumers to be cautious when purchasing confections over the holiday season. Purchase covered items after examining the stores’ level of hygiene to make sure the products are free of flies and pollutants.
People can keep a few things in mind when they shop—avoiding colourful candies entirely or ensuring that the manufacturer uses colours that have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This month, quintals of dairy, baked goods, and sweets have been seized or destroyed during routine inspections by the local health authority at confectionery stores. For small businesses, this can be financially devastating, especially during the festive season, when they rely on increased sales. However, officials stress that these measures are necessary to uphold safety standards and protect public health.
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What Consumers Can Do To Protect Themselves
Vibrant colours in sweets may look appealing but are often achieved using artificial colourants, which can be harmful. Choose sweets that have a natural appearance and avoid items with excessively bright colors.
The use of hazardous aluminium foil rather than silver foil to cover candies was one of the problems the health inspectors found during the inspections. By stroking it between fingers, the DHO demonstrated how to instantly examine the foil covering. Gently rub a piece of foil between your fingers. It is silver foil if it vanishes, and aluminium foil if it becomes a ball.
Sweets are an integral part of the city’s cultural heritage, and ensuring their quality is essential to maintaining the joy of the festivities.
Cover image credits: Canva
First Published: October 27, 2024 10:36 AM