In a major crackdown ahead of New Year celebrations, food safety authorities in Gautam Buddh Nagar seized a significant consignment of unlabelled bread from a popular fast-food outlet in Noida. The action highlights heightened vigilance to ensure public health during the festive season.
Pre-New Year Raid Uncovers Serious Violation
The Food Safety Department conducted inspections at a leading sandwich chain outlet located in Sector 121, Noida. During the check, officials confiscated over 42 kilograms of Italian white bread loaves that were missing the mandatory 'use by' or expiry date. This absence of crucial shelf-life information constitutes a severe breach of food safety regulations.
Assistant Commissioner (Food) Sarvesh Kumar stated that the violation poses a direct risk to consumer health. "The absence of expiry details amounts to a serious violation of food safety norms," Kumar emphasized. He clarified that clear labelling is compulsory under the Food Safety and Standards Act. Following the discovery, the department issued a show-cause notice to the manufacturing unit responsible for supplying the bread.
Widespread Inspections Across GB Nagar
This seizure was part of a coordinated, two-day enforcement drive spanning Monday and Tuesday across Noida, Greater Noida, and the Jewar area. Multiple teams from the department targeted various food establishments to collect samples and check compliance.
The inspection covered a wide range of popular locations, including:
- Gaur City Mall in Greater Noida West
- DLF Mall of India and eateries in Sector 18, Noida
- Commercial belts in sectors 62, 74, 121, 132, and 135
- Food joints in Knowledge Park and along the Yamuna Expressway
Officials gathered 26 food samples for laboratory testing. The samples included reused cooking oil, bread, pizza, rice preparations, dairy products, sauces, and beverages. Kumar warned that establishments found selling unsafe or substandard food would face strict legal action, including penalties and prosecution.
Hygiene Lapses and Ongoing Vigilance
Beyond the major bread seizure, the drive also uncovered hygiene-related deficiencies at several other establishments. On December 31, issues were noted at food courts and standalone restaurants in prominent malls like Venice Mall and GIP Mall, as well as in sectors 62 and 129.
Authorities issued improvement notices to outlets where problems with storage practices, labelling, or general hygiene were identified. Kumar confirmed that enforcement actions continued late into the night, underscoring the administration's focus on preventive checks. "These checks will continue through the New Year period so that residents and visitors are served safe and standard food during celebrations," he assured.
The proactive drive by the Food Safety Department aims to safeguard consumers during a time of increased dining out and celebrations, ensuring that festivities are not marred by health concerns arising from negligent food practices.
