Delhi’s Food Safety Department identified and destroyed over 131 kgs of expired food articles, including besan, khoya, and atta, during an inspection, officials said on Thursday.Ahead of Raksha Bandhan and Janmashtami, surprise inspections were conducted on Wednesday at sweet manufacturing units in Okhla, Badli, Nihal Vihar, and Narela, as well as at mandis, including Okhla Subzi Mandi and Ghanta Ghar Subzi Mandi. The drive comes ahead of Raksha Bandhan and Janmashtami festivals.The Food Safety teams also collected 37 samples of paneer, khoya, ghee, sweets and other food products under the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. These samples will be sent to designated food testing laboratories for quality analysis, and further necessary action will be taken based on the laboratory findings and in accordance with the applicable provisions of law, the department said.Earlier this week, 508 kgs of spurious paneer was seized during an inspection at Okhla Sabzi Mandi by the department.Health Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh has directed the Department of Food Safety to intensify inspection, surveillance and enforcement activities across Delhi.“The health and safety of Delhi’s citizens is our foremost priority. With festive demand increasing, we have directed the Food Safety Department to maintain heightened vigilance across the city and ensure rigorous inspections and sampling. Special attention is being given to milk and milk products, sweets and other high-demand food items,” Mr. Singh had said.The Health Minister reiterated that strict action will be taken against persons found involved in the manufacture, storage, distribution or sale of unsafe or adulterated food products. He appealed to all stakeholders to cooperate with enforcement teams and contribute towards ensuring safe and wholesome food for the citizens of Delhi during the festive season.“Anyone found adulterating food items or compromising with prescribed food safety standards will not be spared. The health and safety of Delhi’s citizens is non-negotiable. Strictest possible action will be taken against those found endangering public health through the sale or distribution of adulterated or unsafe food,”Mr. Singh said. Published - August 28, 2026 01:42 am IST