Chhattisgarh’s Health Minister Ajay Chandrakar on Wednesday directed officials and staff of the food and drugs department to launch a drive to check supply of adulterated and sub-standard food items in market.

Addressing a meeting, Chandrakar gave clear indication that the Government will act strongly against those who are involved in supply of adulterated food items.

“Food and Drug Administration Department should carry out routine checking and ensure manufacture and selling of quality foods in market under provisions of Food Safety and Standard Act,’’ Chandrakar asked officials at the meeting.

Meanwhile, the minister also instructed officials to take proper steps to strengthen the state drug testing laboratory.

Instructing officials to take immediate steps for strengthening the state drug test laboratory, Chandrakar said if a medicine did not meet the fixed standard during laboratory test then immediately blacklist such medicines and initiate action against drug manufacturer.

During the meeting, Chandrakar reviewed the progress of works carried out by Food and Drug Administration Department and under National Ayush Mission.

Tobacco containing gutkha is prohibited in Chhattisgarh, recalled Chandrakar and ordered officials to take stern action against people selling the gutkha containing tobacco.

Moreover, he also directed officials to ensure action against people selling tobacco containing gutkha in close proximity of schools and colleges. Besides, he also suggested officials to launch a drive for providing information about ill-effects of chewing tobacco among students by establishing coordination with principals of schools and colleges.

On the occasion, the minister was apprised by officials that Food and Drug Administration department had collected about 925 food samples between January 2015 and November 2015, of which 264 samples were tested as sub-standard and spurious.