5.95 lakh penalty on 11 food establishments for substandard food products: DC Sachin Gupta

Rohtak, March 11, 2026: The district administration is firmly committed to ensure that citizens receive safe and quality food products, said Deputy Commissioner Sachin Gupta, adding that strict action is being taken against establishments found violating food safety norms.

Chairing a meeting of the District Level Advisory Committee constituted under the Food Safety and Standards Rules, 2011, the Deputy Commissioner informed that during the financial year 2025–26, the Food Safety Department collected 112 food samples from various establishments across the district for laboratory testing under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

Out of these, 32 samples were found to be below the prescribed quality standards, and in 11 cases the court imposed a total penalty of ₹5.95 lakh on the concerned food establishments.

DC Sachin Gupta directed Food Safety Officers to continue regular inspections and increase the frequency of sampling of food products, particularly focusing on open food items being sold in markets as well as milk and dairy products. He also instructed officials to organise awareness meetings with food business operators to familiarise them with the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

He emphasised that Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has been established to ensure food quality and safety through science-based standards, and that FSSAI licensing or registration is mandatory for all food business operators.

The Deputy Commissioner also directed the Deputy Director, District Industries Centre to provide a list of food business operators in the district so that they can be sensitised about food safety regulations. He further instructed the District Elementary Education Officer to ensure that the Mid-Day Meal scheme in schools is registered and licensed under the Food Safety Act.

He also directed the Deputy Director Agriculture to work in coordination with Krishi Vigyan Kendra to promote scientific use of fertilisers and pesticides so that food grains remain safe and free from harmful chemical residues.

Strict action against LPG black marketing

The Deputy Commissioner also directed officials of the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department to ensure adequate availability of domestic LPG in the district. He said that sufficient LPG supply is available in Rohtak, and strict monitoring should be maintained to prevent black marketing. He warned that immediate action will be taken against any gas agency found involved in irregularities or black marketing of domestic LPG.

The meeting was attended by ADC Narendra Kumar, DSP Ravi Khundia, Civil Surgeon Dr. Ramesh Chandra, Deputy Director Agriculture Dr. Surender Malik, Deputy Director Industries Kshitij, DEEO Diljeet Singh, District Food Safety Officer Dr. Yogesh Kadyan, Dy. DEO Sunita, District Programme Officer Deepika Saini and other officials.