Wed Nov 20 22:15:49 UTC 2024: ## Food Safety Crackdown in Himachal Pradesh: Substandard Golgappa Water, Adulterated Mustard Oil Seized
**Una/Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh:** A food safety inspection sweep across Himachal Pradesh has resulted in the closure of a temple shop and the seizure of several substandard food items. In Una district, seventeen food samples collected from various vendors underwent testing at the Kandaghat laboratory. Three samples failed inspection: golgappa water (found to contain prohibited coloring), mustard oil (misbranded, indicating adulteration), and ready-to-serve coffee (substandard).
Separately, in Hamirpur district, samples of “rotes” (a type of bread) sold as prasad at the Baba Balak Nath temple in Deothsidh were deemed unfit for consumption. The temple trust has closed the shop and plans to outsource its operation.
Assistant Director of the Food Standards and Safety Wing, Jagdish Dhiman, confirmed that action is being taken against the vendors of the substandard and misbranded products. The state government has reiterated its commitment to ensuring only high-quality food is sold in the markets and warned of strict legal action against violators. The incident has raised concerns about the quality and safety of popular street foods, particularly among young people.
First Piper 