The Bikaner district's Food Safety Department in Rajasthan has launched a crackdown on adulteration, imposing a total fine of ₹7.75 lakh on traders and shopkeepers found selling adulterated food items. This action has sent shockwaves through the district, with the administration making it clear that those compromising consumer health will not be spared.
How the Case Unfolded
Food safety officials conducted surprise inspections last month in Lalgarh, Kotgate, Gangashahar, Nokha, and Sridungargarh areas. Several food samples were collected and sent to the state laboratory in Jaipur for testing. The reports confirmed adulteration in milk, mawa (a milk-based sweet), and ghee (clarified butter). Coconut oil and mung bean papad were declared sub-standard. Based on this, the department issued notices to 13 traders demanding explanations.
Fines Imposed
Following due process and based on the responses to notices and laboratory reports, the Food Safety Commissionerate levied fines totaling ₹7.75 lakh. The highest fine of ₹1.5 lakh was imposed on a dairy owner in Sridungargarh for adulterating ghee with vegetable oil. Additionally:
- A sweets maker in Kotgate was fined ₹1 lakh.
- A coconut oil seller in Lalgarh was fined ₹75,000.
- A mawa seller in Nokha was fined ₹1.25 lakh.
- A mung bean papad maker was fined ₹50,000.
Adulterants Found
- Milk and curd: Adulterated with water and detergent.
- Ghee and mawa: Adulterated with vegetable oil and synthetic colors.
- Coconut oil: Adulterated with refined palm oil.
- Mung bean papad: Made with undercooked lentils and artificial colors, harmful for digestion.
Official Statement
Bikaner's Food Safety Officer, Vinod Kumar Chaudhary, stated: "We collected approximately 30 samples from various shops and factories. We received 18 reports from the laboratory, of which 9 samples failed. This is extremely dangerous for consumer health." He further explained that this action is not limited to fines; repeated offenses will result in the suspension or cancellation of licenses.
Consumer Alert Issued
The Health Department urged consumers to always obtain bills when purchasing food items and to report any suspicions of substandard quality via the toll-free helpline. The department also stated that intensified monitoring will be undertaken in the coming weeks, particularly in view of upcoming festivals. The news of low-quality food items has caused widespread public anger.
Social worker Dr. Pramod Joshi commented, "Fines alone are insufficient; criminal cases should be filed against such traders. They are jeopardizing the health of children and the elderly."
