During an inspection at the Lakkad Mandi in Rajpura, a Food Safety Department team seized a stock of 65 kg of colored ‘Cham-Cham’ based on suspicion. The team suspected the use of unauthorized or banned coloring agents in the sweets. Consequently, the entire stock was confiscated as a precautionary measure.
During the operation, conducted under the supervision of District Health Officer Dr. Gurpreet Kaur, the team—comprising Food Safety Officers Gaurav Kumar and Tarun Bansal—collected three samples of various food items. These included *Khoya Barfi*, *Cham-Cham*, and *Rasgulla*. All samples have been sent to the laboratory for testing. According to the department, the seized stock will remain in the safe custody of the Food Safety Officer until the laboratory test reports are received. If the tests confirm the presence of unauthorized or banned colors or any other form of adulteration, action will be taken against the concerned food business operator under the Food Safety and Standards Act, rules, and regulations.
District Health Officer Dr. Gurpreet Kaur stated that they are currently awaiting the laboratory test reports for the samples; further action will be determined based on these findings. She emphasized that the department takes the issue of food adulteration and the use of unauthorized colors very seriously. She urged all food business operators to adhere to food safety standards and ensure the availability of safe and nutritious food products for consumers.
