To ensure safe and quality food to the people of Punjab, the state Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh on Wednesday flagged off eight ‘Food Safety on Wheels’ vans from the Food and Drugs Administration, Kharar. With this, the total number of such vans reached 15 in the State.

The Health Minister, at the same time, directed all the FDA officials to utilize these food safety vans to their full potential and create awareness among masses, specifically the students. He also asked them to act transparently and implement all the policies of the Department in true letter and spirit. The Minister also emphasized that only ‘Shudh Ann’ would lead to ‘Shudh Mann and Swasth Tann’.

He reiterated that food adulteration will not be tolerated at any cost and strict action will be initiated against anyone found indulged in such activities.

 Instructing the food safety officers to utilize these vans in food testing of mid-day meals in the state’s schools, the Minister also advised them to carry out their duties in a diligent manner as any dereliction in their duties certainly affects a large population.

 Dr Balbir also informed that anyone can get his food product tested through these vans at a nominal cost of Rs 50; and 70 types of tests are currently available.

 The Minister has also issued instructions to upgrade the testing facility to include microbial testing of food to rule out bacterial infection in the food.

 Also visiting the newly set-up Food Microbiology Laboratory, Dr Balbir directed the officials to strengthen the capacities of lab with respect to testing of Food and Drugs in general and particularly in the field of pathogens testing, antibiotic resistance, pesticides residue testing and steroids in gym supplements.