Punjab: Food safety officials urge restaurants to improve hygiene
Punjab: The Food Safety Department has identified poor hygiene and cleanliness in kitchens and workshops of eateries, restaurants, dairies and marriage palaces as the major cause of food contamination. In response, food handlers have been urged to implement hygiene practices in line with World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines to ensure food safety. During multiple inspections led by Assistant Commissioner Food Safety and Drug Administration Dr Harpreet Kaur along with Food Safety Officer Charanjit Singh, food processing units in Malerkotla, Amargarh and Ahmedgarh subdivisions were checked for compliance with food safety standards. The inspections revealed a lack of awareness about WHO guidelines, with many food handlers and operators unaware of proper hygiene protocols.
Dr Kaur emphasised the importance of basic hygiene practices such as proper hand washing, wearing protective clothing, cleaning equipment and workplaces, waste management and providing regular training to food handlers. These measures are essential to maintain the quality and safety of food prepared in these establishments. The team’s efforts were aimed at raising awareness among food handlers about the importance of hygiene and cleanliness in preventing foodborne illnesses. Most of the handlers expressed their commitment to follow the guidelines going forward. However, Dr Kaur also warned that strict action will be taken against establishments failing to meet the required standards, non-compliance of which can lead to penalties under the Food Safety Act. The final report on the inspections is awaited, but the authorities have already directed the concerned officials to ensure that action is taken against habitual violators.
