Newz Desk, Durgapur: Food safety and consumer protection took centre stage in Durgapur as the administration stepped up surveillance against the sale of substandard and stale food items. A programme marking Consumer Rights Protection Week was organised at Srijani in the city, with state Public Works Minister Ajay Poddar in attendance.
West Burdwan District Magistrate Ponnambalam S, Durgapur East MLA Chandrasekhar Banerjee, Durgapur Sub-Divisional Officer Ankita Agarwal, along with several senior administrative officials and dignitaries, were present at the programme.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Ajay Poddar said ensuring access to safe and quality food for the public remains one of the administration’s key priorities. He stressed that there would be no compromise on food quality, adding that regular inspections and enforcement drives are being conducted at hotels, restaurants, eateries and other establishments dealing in food products.
As part of the ongoing enforcement efforts, officials from the Food Safety Department have already conducted inspections at several establishments across Durgapur and other parts of West Burdwan district. During these drives, officials reportedly found instances of substandard food as well as food that had been stored for prolonged periods or was allegedly stale.
Action has been initiated against establishments found violating food safety regulations, officials said.
West Burdwan District Magistrate Ponnambalam S said inspections at hotels and food establishments across the district had led to the recovery of poor-quality food in several cases. Two hotels have already been slapped with substantial fines for alleged violations, he said.
The District Magistrate clarified that the enforcement drives are not limited to Consumer Rights Protection Week and are conducted regularly throughout the year. He said the administration would continue monitoring food establishments to ensure that consumers receive safe food. “Strict action will be taken against establishments that fail to comply with food safety regulations,” the District Magistrate said.
The week-long initiative aims to raise consumer awareness, ensure food quality and strengthen action against adulterated and substandard food products. In Durgapur, the intensified inspections have sent out a clear message that negligence over food safety will not be tolerated.
