Food Safety Officials in Hapur Criticized for Dumping Raided Sweets in Dustbin
Two videos that emerged online from Hapur in Uttar Pradesh have ignited significant public concern after capturing food safety officials discarding allegedly adulterated and rotten sweets into a roadside dustbin following a raid at a local sweet shop. The incident has raised serious questions about adherence to proper disposal protocols and the effectiveness of food safety measures, especially ahead of the festive season.
Viral Videos Reveal Disturbing Sequence of Events
The first video purportedly shows officials from the food safety department throwing boxed sweets into a dustbin in full public view, an action that quickly drew attention on social media. Shortly after the officials departed, a second video surfaced, depicting a crowd retrieving the boxes from the dustbin and carrying them away. This sequence has heightened fears about the potential health risks posed by the unsafe food items being redistributed into the community.
Official Confirmation and Negligence Allegations
Sunil Kumar, the assistant commissioner of food safety, confirmed that during the raid, samples of mawa and paneer were collected, and the burfi was found to be adulterated and unsafe for consumption. He stated that the raid was conducted on Thursday by food inspectors RP Gupta and Sahrish Sadaat. Kumar emphasized that, according to standard protocol, unsafe or adulterated food seized in such operations must be destroyed by burying it in a pit after digging the ground. However, the officials instead dumped the sweets in an open dustbin, which he described as a clear act of negligence.
Kumar told TOI that both officials have been asked to submit explanations for their actions, and appropriate disciplinary measures will be taken based on their responses. This move underscores the department's commitment to accountability and maintaining public trust in food safety regulations.
Special Drive Ahead of Festive Season
In light of this incident, Kumar highlighted that the food safety department has launched a special drive ahead of the upcoming festive season. This initiative aims to ensure rigorous food safety standards and protect public health by conducting more frequent inspections and enforcing strict disposal guidelines. The department is focusing on preventing similar lapses and ensuring that all seized adulterated items are handled correctly to avoid any health hazards.
The incident in Hapur serves as a stark reminder of the challenges in food safety enforcement and the critical need for proper procedures to safeguard consumers, particularly during times of increased food consumption and celebration.
